He is preceded in death by his parents, Felipe Urdiales and Rosa Hernández Urdiales and his brother, Miguel Angel Urdiales. His parents came to Chicago, IL and started their own restaurant business and later opened a tortilleria called Tortilleria Monterrey. Since the age of ten, Gerardo helped with the family business. He graduated from Bowen High School in South Chicago.
He worked for the Norfolk and Western Railroad as a carman before being drafted into the army during the height of the Vietnam War. After his service, he started studying the Bible and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On July 29, 1972, he married his wife, Lydia Castaneda. Gerardo served as a ministerial servant in the congregation and later as an elder for more than 20 years. His pride and joy were his grandchildren, Stephen and Aliyah. He spent countless hours with them, imparting words of wisdom from his life experiences.
Gerardo is survived by his wife, Lydia, daughter, Leah (Alex) Vizcarra, sons, Miguel and Esteban, grandchildren Stephen and Aliyah. Sisters Rosemary Paredes, Diane (Juan) Reyes, Laura (Tony) Nowak, Julietta (Brian) Hensgen, and brothers, Guillermo, Philip, Fred (Dora), Hugo, and Raul. Including many nieces and nephews.
Our family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to all of our loving family and friends who reached out during this difficult time. Your love, prayers and support are greatly appreciated and have provided comfort to our family. Services Private at this time.
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