Gilbert Morales

Gilbert “Gibby” Morales of Goodyear, AZ died February 27, 2017 at the age of 82. He was born July 10, 1934 to Mike G. Morales and Martha Contreras Morales in Jerome, AZ. He graduated from Mingus High School, served in the US Army for 2 years, and was honorably discharged in 1957. Upon his return he married Eleanor Rodriguez. Gilbert earned a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State College in Flagstaff, a master’s degree from NAU, and an Administrative Certification from University of Arizona. After Eleanor’s passing he married Belia Sanchez Lucero in 1970 and together they raised their seven children.

Gilbert began a 35 year career in Seligman, AZ as teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. The last years of his career were spent in the administration in Avondale and Laveen Elementary School districts.

Gilbert is survived by his spouse, Belia S. Morales; daughters, Elizabeth Robles, Kathleen Morales, Noreen M. Diaz, Jordan Morales; sons, John Lucero, Daniel, Thomas, and David Morales; sister, Rosemary Hirales (Edmund); brothers, David Morales (Barbara), Bill Morales (Veronica); seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at 9:30 am with a rosary at 10:30 am and mass at 11:00 am, Friday, March 10, 2017 at St John Vianney Catholic Church, 539 E La Pasada Blvd, Goodyear, AZ 85338. Interment will be at 11:00 am, Friday, March 17, 2017 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85024.