BETHLEHEM - Umberto Azules Gonzales, 85, of Bethlehem and Bronx, NY, died Wednesday, January 12th at Paradigm Rehabilitation Center in Waterbury CT. He was the husband of the late Carolyn Nelson Gonzales. Mr. Gonzales, a.k.a. Ben Gonzales and his nom d'arte, Taal Mayon, was born October 24, 1925 in Ponso, Polangui, Albay on the Island of Luzon, in the Philippines, the eldest of three sons born to José© Saunar Gonzales and Estelita Azules Gonzales. In 1946, he came to New York City for medical treatment. After many years of struggle, he was able to overcome his debilitating illness, and rebuilt his strength while bicycling throughout Europe and Japan. He earned a B.A. in Graphic Design from Cooper Union Art School, and an M.S. in Art Education from Hunter College, both in NYC. Considered one of the pioneers in paper sculpture, he was represented by Jane Landers, where he created 3-D paper sculptures for advertising in major publications including Life Magazine. He went on to a full time position teaching Three Dimensional Design at the High School Of Art And Design in Manhattan, while also pursuing his fine art projects. He began sculpting abstract horses, small to life size, in plaster, wood, clay, bronze and steel. He showed his work in CT, NY, and the Philippines. He also taught briefly at Parsons School Of Design, and conducted numerous workshops on paper sculpture. In 2005, he published a book entitled "Paper, Scissors, Sculpt" through Sterling Publishing. He encouraged good health and proper living, and taught by example. A devoted student of philosophy, religion and meditation techniques, he loved to share ideas and discuss world events, always seeming to offer an insightful perspective. Charismatic and unique in his approach to life; he shared his love of the arts with all who knew him. His light hearted sense of humor, contagious laugh and knowing smile will be greatly missed.

He leaves his brother, Ambassador Rafael Gonzales of the Philippines, his sons Gayong D. Gonzales of New York City, Matang B. Gonzales of Bethlehem, Daughter In-law Jill Anne Gonzales, and grandchildren Alexandre Nelson and Haley Violet Gonzales of Bethlehem, Cousin Elizabeth Cambronero of Florida, and his loving nieces and nephews in the Philippines and abroad.

Memorials: In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Umberto's memory to the Bethlehem Lions Club scholarship fund, P.O. Box 421, Bethlehem CT, 06751.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: Burial will take place in Bethlehem Cemetery in the spring.

Visitation: Calling hours will be from 6: 30pm to 8: 30pm on Friday, January 21, 2011 at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St.