A private family memorial was conducted in Hudson, FL. In lieu of flowers or cards, the family has requested that donations be made to your favorite charity.
Gilbert “Gil” Fontanilla passed away peacefully on October 3, 2013, in Hudson, FL.
Gil was raised in Gilroy and attended Jordan School and was a member of the GUHS Class of 1959.
He is survived by his daughter Jamie and two sons who precede him in death: Andrew and Chris.
He is also survived by his sister Dolores Batrez (Fred) San Jose, CA, sister, Dianne Murphy (Donald) Hudson, FL; and brother, Henry Fontanilla, Gilroy, CA and his favorite and loyal pet: Bella.
Gil was preceded in death by his mother, Lydia Silva, father, Tommy Fontanilla, brother, Gary Fontanilla, grandmother Teresa Ortiz, aunts Pearl DeArmond of San Jose and Eva Wren of Lewiston, ID.
Gil is survived by his loving aunts Lupe Furguson of Fairfield, CA, Marina Jackson of Fairfield, CA and Alice Cherny of Sequim, WA, aunt and uncle Toonie and Jesse Ortiz of San Jose, CA. He is also survived by several step-children, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gil joined the U.S. Navy for a four year term During his enlistment, he served aboard the “USS Frank E. Evans” as a radar man. During his enlistment in the Navy, he experienced the sights and beauty of the Far East, Japan and Philippines.
He worked as a logger in the Red Bluff area. Anyone who knew Gilbert, recognized that he had a penchant for “living.”
He especially enjoyed great food and conversation with friends and loved ones, and had a generous heart.
He was not bashful at challenging anyone whenever he felt that facts were not straight. Whenever Gil was around, you could be guaranteed there was sure to be laughter.
Gil was a very well-read person and knowledgeable in a wide berth of subjects and never at a loss for words.
He enjoyed the theater, music, opera and traveling to new vistas.
Among his many travels to places like Australia, Paris, England and Italy, he always considered Gilroy his “home”.
Growing up in Gilroy, Gilbert had a very loving and close relationship with his family and cherished the many friendships he had over the years.
He enjoyed football. His favorite team was the ‘49ers.
Living in Florida, he stood out whenever he wore his red ‘49er t-shirts,
At one time, Gil also worked as a transportation specialist for CBS Sports and worked closely with the Cleveland Browns football team.
His hobbies included fishing, camping, sailing, river rafting, traveling and reading.
In his school years, he often would tag along with his older brother, Hank and the other members of “The Ramblers”, a close-knit group of local high school friends that was formed in the 50’s.
We will miss Gil very much and the special camaraderie he brought to the table.
