Gilbert Resendez Valero

Gilbert "Gibby" Valero, otherwise known as Flaco, of San Diego, CA, celebrated his 72nd birthday on Thursday, December 30, and unexpectedly passed in the early morning hours on Friday, December 31, 2021, in his Spring Valley family home. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Gilbert was born on the morning of December 30, 1949, in San Antonio, TX. He is the seventh of eight children, and the youngest son of now preceded mother Cruz Resendez Valero and Ernesto Valero Sr; and stepfather Andrew Cruz; along with his brothers Ernesto Valero, Jr., Rudy Valero, Alex Valero, Arthur Valero; sisters Eloisa V. Morales, Gloria Rodriguez; and is survived by his sisters Elpida Mora, Angie Rodriguez Serros, and Dominic Valero, and his best friend Lalo Cantu, all of San Antonio, TX.

Gilbert had resided in San Diego for the past 52 years, where he had started and ended his adult life. Gilbert joined the Navy Armed Forces when he was 17 years old, serving four tours in Vietnam, where he had there-after followed his career with the San Diego Department of Social Services with where he retired after 21 years of service. In 1975, Gilbert met and married his wife Norma and had three loving children. Gilbert was a swift dancer and found most enjoyment sweeping his wife off her feet on the dance floor where they were most in sync and admired. Gilbert found peace of mind while listening and singing Tejano music and music from the 60s and 70s. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing and coaching softball and being a coach on his son's Little League baseball team's throughout their childhood, and teaching his daughter how to play cards and dance like her mother. He had also always been a fan of watching his Cowboys, Spurs, and San Diego Padres kick butt on the field while drinking a cold one.

After Gilbert retired from the county, he found a way to continue doing what he loved by meeting and helping new people; and he got paid for it, which was always his plus. He worked part-time for different San Diego venues such as San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park home of the Padres, Qualcomm Stadium home of the Chargers, and rocked out at Coachella. The man was stubborn and could never really be still.

Gilbert is survived by his wife of 46 years, Norma R. Valero; and was a proud father to his son's Gibby and Angelo Razo Valero, his daughter Sophia Valero, his four grandson's, Angel Abarca, Anthony Valero, Andre Chavez, Oliver Chavez, his granddaughter Nina Chavez, and great-grandson Xavier Abarca of San Diego, CA. He was also a beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews of San Diego, CA, and San Antonio, TX.

He was loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

The viewing service will be held at Featheringill Mortuary College Chapel on Friday, January 14, 2022, from 4 PM to 8 PM, and on Monday, January 31, 2022, from 1:30 PM - 2 PM at the Miramar National Cemetery for proceedings of the military funeral honor ceremony.

The family of Gilbert would also like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the VA hospital and the UCSD radiation department of San Diego for the courteous and heartwarming support throughout these past few months treating Gilbert.