Gilbert Alexander Cotta

Gilbert was born on March 17, 1924, in Baghdad, Iraq, the third son of the late Alexander and Kaukab Cotta. He is survived by his four children, daughter Leala Thomas, son Roy, Son Alex, daughter Sharon Dalquist; eight grandchildren Amir Thomas, Devon Wong, Rance Thomas, Morgan Ali, Nicky Cotta, Alexis Cotta, Drew Dalquist, and Matthew Dalquist; and two great grandchildren, Julian Wong and Esra Wong.

Of paramount importance to Gilbert was his family. He cared for each member with great compassion and strong determination, driving forces throughout his life. He met the love of his life, the late Elsie Cotta. They were married for 55 years. Together they enjoyed travelling, exploring landmarks and museums around the world.

Gilbert graduated from the University of Colorado with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering. He worked at a number of companies including TRW, Corning, and Senco located in Redondo Beach, CA, Raleigh, NC, and Cincinnati, OH respectively.

At home, he was the master of fix-it projects and dabbled in furniture construction during his retirement. Gilbert was also interested in photography, capturing many family events which he would project as a slide show on the wall after dinner. As he and Elsie grew older, Gilbert did most of the cooking, enjoying the times when extended family members would join them for a meal. For years, he participated in the YMCA Silver Sneakers program and maintained several friendships there.

Gilbert was kind and loving and will be sorely missed as a solid figurehead and example for all of us.

Gilbert Cotta will be buried with his wife, Elsie Cotta, at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his name to one of his favorite charities:

• Jesuits of Boston

• St. Joseph’s Indian School

• Boys Town of Nebraska

• St. Michael’s Abbey, Silverado, CA