Gregorio Valencia Cortez

In a quiet evening in May the world lost a gentle and soft-spoken soul. Gregorio Valencia Cortez, known

affectionately as Greg, passed away on May 24, 2023, at the age of 95, in Las Vegas, Nevada with his

loving daughter Ana and caregiver Lenore by his side. He was the last remaining member of his siblings,

a testament to the strength of his spirit and the tenacity of his heart.

Born on Christmas Eve December 24th, 1927, in the tranquil town of Minalin, Pampanga, Philippines,

Gregorio's life was one of humility, struggle, and triumph. As the seventh child of eight brothers and

sisters he was raised mainly by his mother, Maria who cherished receiving a hand-picked mango from

him each day after school. At age 15 during the Japanese occupation of 1942, he was tapped by U.S.

soldiers stationed near his home as a runner for his expertise of the local landscape. And after leaving

home to study in Manila, he worked through school earning his MBA from the prestigious University of

The East in 1952. By this time, he met the love of his life Violy who he tirelessly courted until she agreed

to marry him, a union that endured 62 years bringing five children and 14 subsequent grandchildren into

the world. By the early 1970’s he immigrated his family to the United States, escaping martial law and

the tyrannical regime of the Marcos government, driven by a desire to provide a better life for his loved

ones.

Gregorio's ability to negotiate and haggle with the best made him a formidable force in the world of

sales. He opened and operated a successful family business, Grevioly’s Pawn Shop in San Fernando,

Pampanga for many years before crossing the Pacific and moving to San Francisco, California where he

was chosen to manage the stockroom personnel at US Leasing Corp and remained for over 23 years. As

a socialite and well-respected businessman, he was elected as the inaugural President of the popular

Minalanean Club which has garnered thousands of members over the years.

Gregorio's persona exuded kindness, wisdom, and generosity, qualities that endeared him to his family

and friends. He was a loyal husband, a caring father, and a selfless individual who always put others

before himself. He went to bed early most nights after watching Wheel of Fortune and was habit free

most of his life. And without fail he always flashed an endearing smile to friendly newcomers with a

signature twinkle in his eye.

As a devout Catholic, Gregorio found solace and comfort in his faith worshipping at Mission Dolores,

Holy Angels, St. Augustine and St. Joseph & Husband of Mary Roman Catholic Church every Sunday

when he was still able and mobile. He believed in the power of prayer and meditation and used it to

carry him through the most challenging times.

Finding joy in the simple pleasures, Gregorio cherished the beauty of life, listening to his music

collection, dancing with his beloved wife, visiting with friends, driving around town, tinkering in the

garage, and appreciating the craftsmanship of cars, old and new. He was a man who understood that

every moment was a gift whether it was being with family watching ABS/CBN on satellite TV or admiring

the graceful footwork and dazzling combinations of Manny Pacquaio on YouTube. He also enjoyed

eating nearly spoiled leftovers, haggling with salespeople for the best deals, eating ice cream cake on his

birthday, and watching his grandchildren play video games. With an attentive eye, he observed quietly

from afar never missing a beat.

Gregorio's love of family was a cornerstone of his life as a dedicated and caring husband, father, uncle

and grandfather. He is preceded in death by his wife, Violeta "Violy" Cortez and is survived by his

children, Enrique (Mariza Cortez), Ana Czarina (Roger Hilario), Gregorio Jr (Carol Cortez), Amelito, and

Christopher (Meg Williams), as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In the passing of Gregorio Valencia Cortez, the world has lost a beautiful and giving spirit whose

generous time on earth was a gift to us all. His legacy will continue to inspire everyone he touched, a

reminder that the truest measure of a life is not in what we accumulate, but in what we give away. May

his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory continue to bless us all.

On Friday, June 9th, 2023, there will be a visitation between 12PM-2PM, a service from 2PM-3PM, and

burial at 3PM at Palm Eastern Mortuary, located at 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123. As we

honor and celebrate the life of Gregorio Valencia Cortez, let us remember the beauty he brought into

the world and the legacy he leaves behind.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Cortez family.