Uncle Gilbert will be missed as are ALL the Gutierrez Cousins that I am happy to have as family!  I will treasure the memories I have & pray for Aunt Rita & my cousins during this difficult time.  Love you all very much.  

Kathy and Gary,

I just read  your post...  What a wonderful dad who impacted so many lives.  Thank you for what you wrote. May your memories be strong and fill you with life lessons as you continue on this earth. Blessings on 2020 and into the future.

This is what I said to honor my dad at his mass:

Though my dad, Gil Gonzalez, was a delivery man for many years, he aspired to be many things—a businessman, a forest ranger, a linguist, and also a teacher. He may never have led a classroom of students, but he certainly taught us many things.

He taught us to have integrity, faithful to our loved ones, honest with everyone, and true to ourselves.

He taught us to be self-reliant, to take care of business, fix things ourselves, solve our own problems. His code and what he modeled: Gonzalezes work hard.

He taught us to dance and sing. His was usually the loudest voice in the choir, and he and my mom danced so beautifully that others would stop to watch.

He taught us to excel, to use our brains well, to be curious and know something about many topics, and to always reach for the highest standards. 

He taught us to tell stories, about our childhoods or the day at work, to vent our frustrations, or to entertain others.

He taught us to love, what it meant to be constant for decades, to show affection with tickles and nicknames, to show love with acts of service.

It is this love we’ll carry forward now as we miss his presence in our lives. But we’ll continue to tell stories too, to keep him alive and with us.


My father, Gilbert, would take me on his bread delivery route, and always stop to chat with the store owners, asking about their kids and health. As a child, I thought this seemed so trivial, and just wanted to get the job done. Now I realize what an impact this earnest inquiry can have with the people you meet. My dad made our lives feel valuable, and this sense of self worth helped me spread good cheer to the people I meet and work with.  My father knew that our lives have value, and he wanted us to make something more of what could be a trivial encounter on an ordinary day. He has instilled in me to take notice of the things in life that matter most, and help me find wonderment in them.

Today,  I learned of Gil’s passing last week.  Within seconds I had memories of Gil’s booming voice,  I could hear him whistling at dusk when it was time for Gary and Kathy to come home for dinner.  I always enjoyed bumping into him and chatting when I came home on military leave. Gil was a great neighbor, a kind man. RIP Sir 

I will miss Gil's hearty greeting when passing by his house, his good humor and great laugh, and his stories about the Santa Clara valley of smaller towns and orchards.  As a kid growing up in the neighborhood, I always looked forward to seeing the fireworks and Gil's joy at setting them off to celebrate Independence Day and his birthday.  Fifty odd years later, I enjoyed ribbing him about not knowing his birth date when we all found out it was actually on the fifth!  My heartfelt condolences to the family.  Peace to you Gil.

I consider myself so luck to have known Uncle Gil.  He was such a sweet, funny person.  He always had a smile for everyone.  I'm so sorry that he's gone but I'm comforted to know he lived a wonderful life, surrounded by his amazing family who loved him dearly.   

I remember Gil as a larger-than-life personality.  I’ll always remember him dancing with Rita in their living room, many years ago.  I think he tried teaching me a step or two as well.  The love they had for one another was moving.  He will be missed.

He was a true legend. I’ll always remember hanging with him in North Beach with Kathy and thinking he was the coolest gentleman I had ever met! I’m sending love to you and your family. Xoxo

I have lost a life-long friend; Our  birthdates  are only days apart Gil and I shared the marvelous experience of growing up in Santa Clara.  We shared spare time with the"Wutzit" club.  All who grew up as we did will wellremember that important part of getting through World Wat II. Our friendship began at the old "Intermediat" school. where Gill had the honor of operating the movie projector. As time passed, we spent hours togeher at both Santa Clara High and San Jose State University sharing our endeavors.. Later, I was privilaged to share my passion for book writing with daughter Kathy. Add to this the pleasure of spending hours with family- Especially adding mom Rita.
I will miss this special man
Clarence Tower

I was close friends with Gil's daughter Kathy (and all her big brothers), through high school. I always felt welcome and warmly greeted at their home. I'm grateful to have been included, in the Gonzalez's lives!

Thank you,  Kathy,  for the link.  I did not know Gil except as a name connected to our Nebraska Hruby-branch.
I watched video, a guided meditation with the gentle stream flowing through the woods as photos emerged and disappeared: smiles, army days, "twin" plaid shirts, CA sunshine , growing family, camping, grandpa with kids, and Alaska 2001 (my brother Martin and family live there!).  
Eternal Rest,  Gil, and many good memories to your family.

Sr Cynthia in Omaha NE

Our favorite memories of Gil were always the quiet visits in their home.  First, the visits were with Yarry and me.  Later, our children joined us.  We loved hearing Gil and Rita reminisce about their youth and tell tales of their young family.  It was a gift to have elders to offer guidance.  It was a gift to have a great-father for our children.  

My personal favorite memory was sitting in the rose garden with Gil as he told of the joy that marriage brings and how it grows with the decades.  His devotion was moving, and a remember thinking how lucky Rita was to have a partner who cared for her so deeply.

He will be missed.

Love,
Cricket and Yarrow
Indigo and Ember

Uncle Gilbert meant the world to me. His kindness to my sister and myself were probably our first memory of him. His laughter, I can still hear.  Always. His love was tangible and real. His storytelling was my favorite thing about him. I know where Kathy gets it. 
Susan and I got to visit with Uncle Gil and Auntie Rita about 20 years ago and we sat out on the patio at their house. Just the four of us and we asked him for stories about all the cousins growing up on Monroe Street in Santa Clara.
For hours he talked and we just listened and asked the occasional questions. His memories were priceless and the greatest gift he could have shared.
Thank you Uncle Gilbert for loving us like you did and for making the memories of our mother, his cousin Mary Cano Bowers, and our grandparents come alive for us.
My heart is broken  but full of love at the same time. 
I will always love you.
Your cousin Mary’s daughter, Anne 

My father was Art Gutierrez, cousin to Gilbert.  I have such fond memories of Gilbert and Rita as a kid growing up.  Gilbert’s laugh was infectious.  I hope our spirits can co-mingle in the afterlife.  Rest In Peace Gilbert.

I have wonderful memories of Uncle Gil as someone who, with Aunt Rita, was incredibly welcoming, joyful, and full of fun stories about our family 70 and 80 years before. I will miss you, Uncle Gil.  Lovingly, your nephew, Jim

OBITUARY

Gilbert Xavier Gonzalez

July 5, 1929 – December 18, 2019

Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services