Gilbert Duran Orrantia

Gilbert Duran Orrantia was born on October 20, 1917 in Clifton, Arizona. When Gilbert was an infant, his family moved to Clarkdale, Arizona and it was there that Gilbert spent his childhood. He graduated from Clarkdale High School in 1936 and went on to attend Arizona State University where he received his Bachelors of Arts in Education in 1947, and his Masters degree in 1958.

In 1942, Gilbert left his studies at Arizona State University to join the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a First Lieutenant B-25 bomber pilot during World War II. His unit, the 321st Bombardment Group, fought in the North African campaign engaging in fierce combat in the North African countries of Tunisia and Algeria against the enemy forces of German General Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox. His unit fought in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, which included combat operations and bombing missions in Sicily and Naples-Foggia, Italy, as well as bombing missions in Greece. His unit received a Presidential Unit Citation for outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations on October 8th 1943.

Gilbert flew over 50 missions as a B-25 pilot and flight leader during World War II. He later went on to serve as a Pilot Instructor from 1944 to 1945 in Greenville, South Carolina, and was honorably discharged from the Army in August of 1945.

Gilbert subsequently returned to civilian life in Mesa, Arizona. In 1957, he married Sally Mendoza and together they raised three children, Gilbert, Ana and Barbara. He went on to become a Foreign Language Instructor at Mesa High School, from 1953 to 1963, and at Westwood High School from 1964 to 1967. In 1967 he became a Professor of Spanish at Mesa Community College, serving from 1967 to 1983.

His story has been featured in news articles, books and television features including the book, Arizona Hispanic Fly Boys, and a segment on the program Horizons on KAET Channel 8, the Arizona State University Television Channel.

In keeping with his robust philosophy of service and his zeal to help others, he has served on numerous church and civic committees within the Phoenix Metropolitan area throughout the years. His advice, counsel and wisdom have been sought by many who have crossed his path.

Gilbert Duran Orrantia has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors in his role as a civic and community leader, among them, his induction into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in November of 2003.

Even with all of his honors and awards, Gilbert always believed that the greatest honor in all of his life was having a family - and he found power in his love of family. Gilbert spent his life sharing this with all.

On Sunday July 8, 2012, Gilbert left this world to be in heaven and was surrounded by family when he departed. He is survived by his sister Genevieve, his children Gilbert Orrantia, Ana Murphy, and Barbara Zamora, daughter in law Maria Orrantia, sons-in-law Tom Murphy and Frank Zamora, and his grandchildren Gilbert Michael and Natalie Orrantia, Michael, Andy, Mariana and Alisa Murphy, and Zac and Zoe Zamora.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Mesa, AZ and Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Mesa, AZ.

Arrangements are entrusted to Melcher Mortuary Chapel of the Roses. A visitation will be held at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 141 North MacDonald Mesa, AZ 85201 on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 6:00-7:30pm. Funeral service will be at the church Thursday, July 12, 2012 at 10:00am. Interment will follow at The City of Mesa Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Melcher Mortuary Chapel of the Roses. Please pay tribute to Mr. Orrantia by visiting the family’s website, www.MelcherChapelofRoses.com.