Gilbert Corona Villanueva, born April 06, 1948 in the city of Los Angeles by his parents Carmen Garcia Villanueva and Antonia Corona Villanueva. He was raised in Los Angeles until he was nine years old, but then his parents moved the family including his five siblings, Richard Villanueva, Raul Villanueva, Rudolph Villanueva, Irene Villanueva-Mascorro and Guadalupe Darlene Sanchez to El Monte.
He went to El Monte High School where he graduated in 1966. He met Mary his wife through his sister Irene Villanueva-Mascorro, where they later married on May 28, 1969. Gilbert enlisted into the Army on November 19, 1969 and was called to serve in the Vietnam war on December 9, 1970. He was wounded by gunshot in the leg, but served two full years of service.
He acquired several medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal W/2 Bronze Service Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device. A proud veteran who wore Army hats and jackets as much he could in his later years. He loved his country, family, especially his animals and people. He was a very giving man to his family and even strangers.
He will be remembered by so many things his smile, laugh, the love of Elvis Presley, Rock and Roll music, his dogs, Dodgers Baseball, his Oldsmobile, antiques, stylish colored clothing and most importantly the love of his life, Mary Helen Villanueva. He is survived by his wife, 3 children, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
