Gilbert Pineda

Gilbert Pineda, our Dad, was a proud American of Mexican descent and life-long resident of El Paso. He was raised in a family of meager means but they were never short on love, and instilled education as a virtue and reinforced dedication to family. Thanks to the morals, values, respect and integrity our grandparents instilled in our Dad and the choices our Dad made for his life and ours as his children, our Dad became a role model for many family members and close friends of all generations and walks of life. There were many times that our Dad would help those whom no one else would take the time to help. Our Dad lived his life by “doing” not “saying.”

A graduate of Cathedral High School, he excelled in basketball and academics. He proudly received his Masters of Business Administration from The University of Texas at El Paso - Go Miners! Dad always said that the education he received at UTEP was better, or on par with any other Tier One University.

Dad was a respected and valued Certified Public Accountant for 44 years. He believed in a balanced checkbook and a balanced life. An absolutely loyal friend and fierce adversary, Dad fought for the underdog, protected those he loved and was honest, patient and generous to a fault.

Dad started his professional career as a Tax Manager at the El Paso Natural Gas Company. He then became a Shareholder at Dominguez, Diaz, Pineda & Co., PC. In 1989, Dad opened his individual practice and remained the “Calculator and Chief” of his own lucrative business. During the 1980s, encounters with a dishonest judge, as well as a corrupt superintendent, launched Dad into the world of El Paso politics. Dad, fighting for the underdog, managed to help the people of El Paso unseat the unfair judge and remove the corrupt superintendent. Making many lasting friendships along the way that hold true to this day. In fact, many initial adversaries turned into true friendships throughout his life.

Dad was heavily involved and passionate about his community, his faith and education. Through his passion, Dad served on and conducted pro-bono work for many organizations and boards. Dad was a member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board, Academic Opportunities Academy, Greater El Paso Civic, Convention and Tourism Advisory Board, Texas Economic Development Loan Board, the El Paso Community College Foundation Board, and the El Paso Division’s Western District of Texas Magistrate Merit Selection Committee. Dad also served as Chairman of the Cable Communications Commission, Panel Chairman for the State Bar of Texas District 17 Grievance Committee and Treasurer for various judicial and political campaigns. Dad also volunteered his time and expertise to various organizations; namely, Father Yermo Schools, Holy Trinity Catholic Church and School, St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, LULAC Texas District IV Fiesta De Las Flores Sun City Music Festival, Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc., Lower Valley School Nurses Association and the Fort Bliss Home School Association.

Dad was an outstanding marksman and hunter; just ask any deer. Fowl were no safer, his beloved four legged companions Cody, Coot, KC, Custer, Miner, Coco and Cooper could always be found retrieving a freshly shot bird. As an avid and talented fisherman, particularly fishing with his children, grandchildren and friends, Dad never met a fish he couldn’t hook. After rescuing several turtles from the street and giving them all homes, Dad quickly became known as the turtle whisperer.

To say Dad enjoyed collegiate sports, would be an understatement. During basketball season, especially during March Madness our daily conversations revolved around the playoffs until the season ended. When football season came around, every Sunday morning, we received our weekly recap of Saturday’s college games: who did what and what they should have done better. This enthusiasm for college football has been passed on to his grandson Mateo, who proudly struts around in his Texas and Notre Dame jerseys that, “Grandpa bought me,” while watching the games and providing the most up to date team rankings.

Dad was a passionate servant of the Roman Catholic Church; providing knowledge, training, expertise and time to various Catholic Churches and Schools within the El Paso Catholic Diocese. The only payment Dad ever asked for were Prayers.

His parents, Mr. & Mrs. Joe D. Pineda and our mom Sylvia Franco, preceded our Dad in death. He is survived by his children Marissa and her husband Sean, Joe and his partner Scott, Nick and his wife Priscilla, his “adopted” child Kirsten; grandchildren Mateo & Vivian; his brother, many close friends and family; including his trusted confidant Lourdes Palacio.

In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you consider making a donation in our Dad’s name to Father Yermo Schools 220 Washington Street, El Paso, TX 79905, Attn: Sister Maria Munguia, who was also his faithful friend. This way his love of education and passion for faith continue to enrich and support El Paso’s youth.

Father Andy de Guzman, our Dad’s friend, will conduct Mass and internment services. Vigil will take place on Sunday, October 13th from 5-9pm, Rosary at 7pm at Evergreen East Funeral Home. Mass will be held at St. Raphael’s on Monday, October 14th at 10am; internment and catered gathering to follow at Evergreen East Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Joe Bustillos, Colbert N. Coldwell, Juan Carlos Garay, Hector Lara, Sergio Lewis, Butch Lieber, Mike Portillo and Tom Scrivner.

Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Gonzalez and Gibb Veloz