Richard Martin Gillenberg

Richard (Dick) Martin Gillenberg passed away on June 23, 2026, at the age of 95. He was born on August 17 1930 to Ernest Martin Gillenberg and Clara Patty at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California. He grew up in Jacumba, California, where his parents and grandparents owned the local cafe. He played football and baseball in high school and hunted and fished in the mountains and in Baja. He was a self taught musician and played piano, accordion, guitar, harmonica, trumpet, and the random conch shell.

Dick was married to Nancy Meis Gillenberg for 72 years until her passing in December, 2024. Their Catholic faith was important to them throughout their lives. Together they raised six children and lived in Tucson, Dallas, Ft. Worth, and moved back to California in 1965. He worked as a salesman for 33 years; selling bread, office equipment and candy and gum. His outgoing personality and sense of humor ensured his success.

Dick had a special love for Mexican ranchera music, although he did impress his children by learning The Boxer and some Beatle songs. He was in his element when fishing and camping with the family in Baja. He was an outdoorsman, skilled at fishing, and diving for abalone and lobster off La Jolla. Dick and the family also enjoyed good times at a rented home on a cliff overlooking Todos Santos Bay just south of Ensenada, where he fished and played music at the cantinas at La Bufadora. Dick was generous and fun-loving and could tell a good story, naturally adding any needed embellishments. He was a fisherman!

Dick is survived by his sister, Clara Lynn (Mary), children, Mary Ann, Paul (Stephanie), Matthew, Bonnie (Al) and Nora, along with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, his son, Eric, his brother, Gary, and his grandchildren, Shannon, Aidan, and Adam.

Throughout his life, Dick could be counted on to help when a family member was in need. He was there for his children whenever there was a crisis. We will always remember our father with love and affection and know that he will rest peacefully in his faith knowing that death is not the end of existence but a doorway to eternal life and a relief from earthly suffering.