Gilbert Joseph Fagundes

Gilbert Joseph Fagundes was born February 2, 1960 in Fortuna, California to Bill and Nancy Fagundes. He passed away in Visalia, California on January 3, 2024. He attended elementary school at Rio Del Elementary in Rio Del, California, and Liberty School and Mineral King School in Visalia, California. He graduated from Redwood High School in 1978, the same night his first nephew was born. At an early age he received the nickname “Gilbo” which stuck with him for his entire life.

Gilbo was a partner with his father and brother, Russ, in Fagundes & Sons Painting for several years. He then settled in and went to work at Jostens in Visalia, California as a Paper Controller for over 30 years until they closed their doors.

Gilbo enjoyed backpacking and hiking. He was an avid Pittsburg Steelers and San Francisco Giants fan. He also enjoyed family events and trips to Disneyland and Las Vegas. He was especially close to his nephews Joey and Jacob Fagundes and enjoyed many trips to Disneyland and the beach with them and attended as many of their school and sporting events as possible. One of his favorite places was a cabin in Redcrest, California, where he enjoyed sitting on the porch and taking in the redwoods. He collected memorabilia of John Wayne, Star Trek and the Pittsburg Steelers. He also loved music and attended many concerts with his brothers Russ and Tim.

Gilbo was a part of a large, loving family. Family was always important to Gilbo. He is proceeded in death by his father, Bill Fagundes in 1986, brother Russ in 2020 and sister Carolyn in 2021. He is survived by his mother, Nancy Fagundes, older brother Bill Fagundes, older sister Patti Merriss and her husband, Morley, and younger brother, Tim Fagundes and his wife, Shera. He was “Uncle Gilbo” to Lorena Fagundes, Jennifer Merriss and her husband, Josh Rogers, Trampas Fagundes, Mike Merriss and his wife, Ellen, David Merriss, Chris Fagundes, Alex Fagundes and his wife, Sheila, Joey Fagundes and Jacob Fagundes. He was Great-Uncle Gilbo to Desia Hinojos, Will Fagundes and Ezra Merriss. He is also survived by his aunt, Neva Thompson and many cousins.

We will be celebrating the life of Gilbert Joseph Fagundes on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at 137 Events, 137 E St., Exeter, CA 93221.

Gilbo was deeply loved by his family and his passing has left a gap that will never be closed.