Gilbert Michael Moreno

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our Dad and Grandpa, Gilbert Michael Moreno, on Friday, September 2, 2022 at the age of 66 years old. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona by his parents Mary and Joseph Moreno, our Dad used say that he felt like he should have been born a cowboy and he loved the warm Arizona weather. If the temperature was in the 70s he would need his long john stockings, tube socks, sweats and a beanie. Our Dad enjoyed watching Westerns his whole life and loved John Wayne. He got a kick out of dressing in his cowboy hat and riding coat and going to Rawhide and getting mistaken for a “real” cowboy. Our Dad also loved Bruce Lee and would often joke that he could fight like him. We hope he is riding horses with John Wayne and doing Kung Fu with Bruce Lee in Heaven.

Our Dad taught us so much and loved us with everything he had. When we were younger he worked opposite of our Mom and took care of us after school and in the evenings. He would help us with our homework and school projects. He would take us to school for conferences and events and would even ask our teachers to give us extra homework. He taught us that education was the most important thing and encouraged us to go to college. He would take us to sports practice and games. He was our biggest cheerleader in anything we put our mind to. He taught us to swim and would take us in the summers to the public pool and our Mom would watch and take a picnic meal. Our Dad would fill his sweatpants pockets with candy bars when we would go see the latest Batman movie. We would share the biggest popcorn. As we got older, he was there to teach us how to drive and how to live on our own. How to take care of our cars and our homes. He was always a moment away to help us with anything we needed. He was supportive and caring in welcoming his son in law, Jesus and daughter in law, Jules into the family. Our Dad loved doing his yard and taking care of his house. He loved to decorate for holidays with our Mom. We always had the most special Christmas decorations inside and out. Our Dad would spend hours and hours getting the lights in the yard set just right. He would run inside all excited when he would get a “drive-by” for his Christmas light display.

Our Dad’s legacy lives through us, his children Celissia and Daniel, and his grand babies Leo (3 years old) and Laura (8 months old). Our Dad was a collector later in life and was gathering special toys and items for Leo and Laura before they were even born. He taught Leo how to throw and catch a ball. He taught him how to hit a ball and run bases. One of his greatest joys was seeing him play teeball. He cheered for Leo and was so proud of him. He would say, “That a boy, cowboy!” He loved making popcorn for Leo and watching superhero movies together. Before Laura was announced, he had a dream that she would be brought into this world and was so happy when he found out she was on her way. He adored Laura and would always say how beautiful she was, just like her Grandma. His last smiles on Earth were for his little Cowboy Leo and his Mijita Laura.

Our Dad is preceded in death by our beautiful mom Sylvia Marie Moreno (2021). Our Dad kept the memory of our mom alive for us all and did everything he could to be there for us during this past year of mourning even while battling his health issues. He was strong and a fighter. We find peace knowing he is reunited with our Mom and his body and mind are at peace at last. We promise to hold you both in our hearts always and love and live the way you both taught us.

In lieu of a traditional service, our Dad’s wishes were for us to celebrate his life by saddling up and riding out into the sunset to spread his ashes.

Dad, we love you always and until we meet again every time we see a cowboy movie on we will smile and think of you. Dad, you are the bravest and fiercest cowboy we have ever known.

Condolences can be sent to: Celissia Garcia

2224 W Betty Elyse Ln.

Phoenix, AZ 85023

Daniel Moreno

102 W Montoya Ln.

Phoenix, AZ 85027