I met Gabriel in February 2010 in circumstances where I needed help. Since 2010, he has crossed my mind so many times. Of how much he help me. Of how much I owe him.  I searched for him last year and I just seen that his law firm was permanently closed without even imagining it that he had passed away. I was talking to a a friend in Arizona about him, and he looked him up. With excitement, I told him, yes, that is my lawyer. When all of a sudden, he showed me the obituary. I have to say that I felt like somebody had just punched me in my stomach and for a minute, I couldn't catch my breath.  I contacted you again in 2017 to tell you thank you, and how much you impacted my life and how much I appreciated you. I wish I would have called you everytime you crossed my mind and I wish I would have made the trip to Arizona to thank you personally for my second chance. I know heaven is happy to have you even though I am sure you prescene is missed here on Earth. To the family, my condolences!! He was a wonderful man!

I’m writing this to you stepdad I miss you always and forever I can’t believe it will be 5 years this year feels like it wasn’t too long ago you were still with us. I love you and I hope you are resting peacefully writing these every year for you isn’t easy its difficult to because you should still be here with us but I know you are in a better place and You’re not in pain anymore. I just wish I would had many more years with you I knew you since I was a little boy its been difficult moving on with life without you present but as much as I would want you here for us family and people that loved you I understand that your not struggling or in pain anymore circumstances behind your passing will always affect me no matter what. But I write this to tell you and make sure you are remembered forever as long as I am here to tell you I miss you and I love you forever without the guidance and advice you gave me I wouldn’t be who I am today without you being a role model and someone to look up to as well. I hope to continue to make you proud of me and to show you my potential and to show the world what I am capable of I will forever honor your memory and legacy you left behind I love you stepdad rest in peace.

Dear Gabriel , 

Since you first took my case over 10 years ago, you’ve always crossed my mind. Never have I ever met such a caring and dedicated person! (Also my first time in real trouble) few years back you stop checking in and I figured you know life got you busy and I was busy myself and that’s just where we left off. I had thought of you so I decided to look you up and come in contact to find out you passed away almost 4 years ago. My heart is hurting. It’s heavy, but I wanted to come give you your respect. I wish I would have reached everytime you crossed my mind, my family always talk about you and how great you where to us. Thank you for always brighting up the room with your small and for giving me strength in the worst time of my life .. I’ll be in debt with you forever and that’s okay , I hope heaven is treating you like the amazing person you are!

This marks my fourth year in a row writing on my step dad’s obituary page it doesn’t get any easier every time but I’ll continue to do it forever. Step dad I love you so much and I miss you so much not a day goes by without me thinking of you or me thinking of a memory we had together. You played such a big role in my life that has gotten me to where I am at now in my life and it’s tough to take all that you gave me in span of 10 plus years and continue with life without you here but I’ve learned so much from you not to give up or let anything bring me down. Your in my heart and always in my mind just always know I love you and you are deeply missed but to know I can continue life and become the best person you would want me to be it’s a blessing in disguise and I know you’ll be proud of me and you’ll look over me. Continue to rest peacefully stepdad I love you so much and I’ll continue to pray for you and and keep your legacy and memory alive.

Hey stepdad, it’s me your step son you know I’ve been writing on your obituary for about 3 years now. I just wanted to say I miss you so much and I love you so much and I’ll never forget the man you were and all that you did in your life. Feels like yesterday you passed away unexpectedly and it something that always comes to mind I just wanted to thank you and I will always make sure even with you not being here with us I just want to thank you for what you did as my step dad for all the years I had you and thank you for what you did for my mama. I will continue to honor you and remember you the way you would want to be thought of or remembered you will always hold a place in heart that is untouchable. May god bless your soul always and may you feel at peace always you left us far too soon and it’s just hard even after three years to move on with life without you present I hope I’ve made you proud since then and I hope you are looking over us as we continue to live our life.  I always thought as you were getting older that I would eventually would have to take care of you and just try my best to be a helpful hand but never did I thought I would lose you a person I looked up to and loved so much still do without a fact I love you and miss you alot stepdad keep on resting and I know one day we will reunite but until then be at peace and I’ll continue to make you proud of me. 

This man went above and beyond for me, and allowed me to become the man I am today. I will never forget what he did for me, and I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has truly gained an Angel.

I miss you stepdad I’ll always think about you every single day that goes by that you aren’t here anymore. I’m glad we had all the fond memories and many great moments together I’m very blessed to keep them in my heart forever thank you for being everything you were. I didn’t realize that you impacted so many lives until I read all the messages all these special people that you knew left you. I love you forever stepdad continue to rest peacefully and you are very missed by so many I hope you’ve found peace may god rest your soul I love you for eternity. 

There was never a time that I did not see Gabe when he was not smiling.  He always asked about my family.  Gabe bragged about his.  He was such a kind soul.   I did not not know this website was here, or I would have written earlier.    Gabe was in my law school class, and none of us will ever forget him.   I miss seeing him downtown, and I miss seeing his smile.  Prayers to his family.    

I have thought about Gabe many of times. I was fortunate to meet him in high school St. Mary's Knights. I wasn't the most popular person but Gabe always had a kind word to say to me. He was a wrestler and I remember when I would sneak snacks and he would just smile at me. I was truly sorry when I lost connection with him so many years ago. I random into at a bad time in courtesy, but that was it.. Actually my heart feels heavy right now.,  I'm going to be praying for his family I see it's been over a year but I know that pain doesn't go away. God bless him and may He rest in peace.

I met Gabe when I was in high school. My best friend and I, Donna, ended up on an ASU campus tour and Gabe was our tour guide.  We bought thought he was so kind and handsome!  I'm pretty sure we left having a big crush on him by the end of the day.  Fast forward some years later,  I run into Gabe after I've become a lawyer and find myself in federal court.  Gabe was always helpful, a solid, insightful and generous person.  He was genuine.  He's been in my thoughts these past few days and I then remembered it's been a year since his passing.   You are missed.  My sincere condolences to his all his family and friends.  

I have known Gabriel when we were both going to school in the 80's. i have spent many a night hanging out with him before he was married. Our friends were a tight bunch of guys.i remember when he opened up his practice, and i was at a different firm, we would enjoy a meal, even a drink. he was a great hearted man who was committed to providing his family a great life. He was a professional who took his oath as a lawyer very seriously. i just recently found out about his passing through a mutual friend. I am very sad and wish his family the best, Your Gabriel was a fine man. Very honorable. very funny, and very loving to all. i wish him peace through our Savior Jesus Christ. May he rest in peace. Gabriel i will miss you 

Our Condolences Goes to The Valdez Family, Gabriel was our attorney for many many years. He actually grew up in the same neighborhood as my husband. He helped our family so much over the years for any legal matter we had. He always did an exceptional job & was very fair honest & had great integrity.  I’m sure with all he gave to his clients & community he has definitely earned his wings in heaven. We will never forget your friendship, as one of your clients we will forever be grateful! Your friends The Serna Family!

Gabe,

May you forever rest in paradise. Learning about your passing really hit me hard. You were so gracious and a huge supporter during my days at ASU and with the Los Diablos foundation/familia. Melissa I am sending you so much love during this difficult time. Gabe is now with the angels.

When I first heard about Gabe's passing, I was shocked.  I didn't want to believe it, and hoped it wasn't true. Unfortunately, I verified that is was sadly the truth. I met Gabe and his family in the early 2000's, while getting my son interested in AZ youth wrestling.  I knew he was a lawyer, but I was fortunate to meet the other side of Gabe - the Gabe that loved athletic competition and even more - watching Gabe Jr. compete. I always enjoyed watching Gabe, Gabe Jr., and even Tata Valdez at the competitions.  Gabe and I could talk about our boys playing football or wresting, or just the sports themselves for hours.  When life took us in different directions, I could always count on Gabe giving me a call out of the blue, asking how my family was doing and how my son was doing.  In that way, Gabe was a "Good Soul!' May he rest in peace!

I had the unfortunate opportunity today to tell a colleague about Gabe's passing, and I was going to forward to him this obituary; but he beat me to it! As I scrolled through the many comments, I was struck by how much they mirrored my own experiences with Gabe- usually at Federal court or Phoenix City Court; the sharing of a laugh at a client or a judge, the bemoaning of how hard we worked for so little recognition, the passing of a tidbit or two about how to work the system for our clients' benefit. He was always, ALWAYS, a friendly face and an accommodating ear in an environment full of difficulties for those of us who chose defense work as our living. There is a brotherhood amongst us. I think of him often when I am in court, and I miss those moments we had together. I hope his family is doing as well as they can. Peace, out, Brother Gabe.

Today I was very sorry and shocked to learn of Gabe's passing.  We met through mutual friends decades ago.  Seeing Gabe's face in a courtroom was always a welcoming sight, whether it was in a city court, a justice court, a superior court, or in federal court.  Gabe was everywhere.  He always had a story to share.   I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of his early life growing up.   When I needed the lay of the land before a new judge, Gabe was always there to give his opinion and assistance.   I am so sorry for your loss.  Gabe will be missed everywhere.  Mi más sentido pésame.  QEPD. 

Dad, all I can say is that not a day goes by that I don’t miss you. Miss your laugh, your silly dance moves that embarrassed me in public, forehead kisses, crazy made up stories and mostly the way you always told me to not care what anyone else thought to do what makes me happy. It pains me so much to not be able to call you and tell you that I love you, crack a joke or to ask for advice. I miss our lunch dates and all the times you’d shake your head at my crazy plans and just tell me “Just be careful moms.” You pushed me growing up and helped shape me into the strong minded, educated, successful and determined woman I am today. I am proud of you for the amazing man you were in life professionally and personally. I am proud to be your first child, your daughter and for you to be my dad. Just like my last words to you were  “I love you.” I love you and miss you everyday. I love you forever daddy-o rest easy! - Love Your Daughter Carissa 

Stepdad my emotions have been everywhere since your passing I miss you so much I miss your smile, your sense of humor and just you being around in this world. You’ll always be in my heart no matter what thank you for everything that you did for me and my mom you know we have an empty space in our heart right now and I know your resting peacefully and your okay now. Thank you for all the memories and for being the role model you were to me. I love you so much heaven is so blessed to have you I hope I make you proud thank you for giving my mom the world while you did Rest In Peace my beloved stepdad till we meet again - your stepson Frankie Valenzuela 

Gabe will truly be missed. We loved when he came to visit our restaurant and always made sure to get Melissa’s 2 slices of pepperoni. He came in With a smile and always asked about our kids. What a genuinely nice guy. We Looked forward to his visits . We will miss him and the sunshine he brought when he walked in. Rest In Peace Friend. 

My best memory of Gabe was when he was a guest speaker for a mock trial class I volunteer at.  He spoke to the students a few years ago about his work and the dedication it took to verify the facts and advocate for his clients.   What stood out to me is that passion and dedication he had for his work, especially when he talked about why it was so important to dig deep and work hard.   Gabe believed in his work but was also very pragmatic in how he went about his work.  That much was clear.  I didn't know Gabe nearly as well as many, but I knew him to be a very personable guy with a somewhat dry sense of humor and a love of sports and wrestling in particular.  The world is better for having had him in it.   My deepest condolences to Gabe's family and friends.  

Cheers to you my top lawyer , my advisor, the guy with the plan !!! Without you I wouldn’t be here enjoying time with my loved ones. It’s been sometime but I would reach out Nd you’d always reply. Thank you for your time and your advise and for always telling it how it is. 
Thank you for being a light in my life ! Gracias por todo hope you are resting easy big dawg ! 

Wow. I just heard about Gabe's passing. I'm so so sorry.  I don't even remember exactly when we met. What I do remember is that EVERY SINGLE TIME I saw him,  he had a ready smile and took a moment to say hi.  

My mom had worked with him years ago as an interpreter. Even though it had been close to a decade since they last worked together, he never failed to ask how she was doing.  Just a genuinely good guy where that seems to be more and more rare.

May he rest in peace and may his family gain some solace in knowing how well regarded he was.

My condolences to Gabe's familia.  Gabe and I are the same age.  We met at ASU in 1985 as undergraduates.  We both started law school at the same time and made it through that first year and went to our separate destinies.
In undergrad, he was comforted me like a brother when I underwent a hard time.
He will always be in my memory. 

I was a bailiff down at Phoenix Municipal Court when Gabe came in as a court appointed attorney. He was assigned to my courtroom for awhile. He was always fun to work with. His work ethic was a breath of fresh air. He took his work seriously.  My heart breaks for his family and all of his friends. I am sorry for all the people who will never know him or work with him.  God Bless your soul Gabe.

Laurie Ramirez

I met Gabe when I entered ASU Law School in 1989. The first time I saw Gabe after I became a Judge in 2013 he addressed me as Your Honor.  I told him he didn't have to do that because we had been friends over 24 years and I'm still the same guy.  He said "no, I'm going to address you as Your Honor no matter where we are because as a Judge you deserve that respect." Here I was trying to be humble and Gabe taught me a lesson in humility. I think that is a great example of Gabe's character. He was a great attorney and an even better person.  My heart bleeds, you are greatly missed! My deepest heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in Peace my friend.

Just found out, this guy was definitely one of best. We did each other many solids! We both learned a lot along the way! 
Love and Respects my friend I will see you soon!
PS: my Mother is crying now.

I first met Gabe in 2008 when I was in a court room for the first time and didn't know what to do. He told me how to handle that hearing. I will never forget that day. 
I will miss running into him in the jails or in court 
Tocayo, you will be miss. 

I knew Gabe for over 20 years. It was with a heavy heart I heard of his passing. He was a family friend, mentor, and was always willing to share his time. He taught me not taking criminal cases personally was the key to not burning out. Gabe will be greatly missed by many. 

I will always remember Gabe with a smile on his face and a funny story on the tip of his tongue. He was a great attorney, who was also generous  with his time and knowledge.  

His eyes lit up when he talked about his wife and son. Gabe loved to talk about his son and how proud he was of everything that he had accomplished.   

He is missed by all of his friends and colleagues. 

I met Gabe in the spring of 1987 when we were both business majors at ASU.  He always had a kind word and a laugh to share.  I was happy to see him again in law school at ASU, and then as a member of the criminal defense bar when I came back to the Phoenix area in 2002.  We were on opposite sides of our cases, but that never made a difference in our friendship.

Gabe was unfailingly kind and a good listener.  He was a proud father and husband, who always spoke lovingly of his family.  I know he will live on in their hearts.  I offer my condolences, and pray for peace and comfort to the Valdez family.  

Rest in peace, Gabe.  We will all miss you greatly.  Vaya con Dios, mi amigo.

Valdez Family, 

Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of a generous, compassionate, funny, and smart gentleman.  He was our close and valued friend.

Gabe not only leaves an inspirational legacy, but also a reputation for always being calm, cool and collected, AND for dressing "sharp."

We will miss Gabe, but especially his infectious laugh, his insightful observations, the way he tried to connect with people by finding mutual friends or family, and his passion for helping others.

Much love and respect to you Gabe.

Los Diaz

Deepest condolences to Gabe's family.  I have known Gabe for 25 years.  He was always a pleasure to work with, and I was always so happy to see him around the courthouse (we would often chat about our dogs when we weren't talking about cases).  May happy memories help ease the pain of this tremendous loss. 

I have known Gabe since I started practicing 25 years ago. We’ve always been on opposing sides, but he was always a pleasure to work with. I know many of my colleagues feel the same.  My deepest condolences to his family—I’m so sorry for your loss. 

My husband Marshall and I got very close to Gabe and Melissa over the last six years. It was always a great time laughing,  joking, remembering all of the crazy days in the 80s and listening to old school music. Gabe's dancing shoes were always laced up and he was a great dance partner. He was always positive and a wonderful friend to all. He was generous with his time, always available to talk, gave great advice and always offered to help. I will miss our conversations about current events, food and I will certainly miss his big, bright smile.

Gabe, we were all better for knowing you and having you in our corner. You were truly one of a kind and one of the best people we had the pleasure of calling friend. Rest peaceful in paradise - you will be deeply missed.

I’ll sure miss seeing Gabe’s smile around the courthouse. He was always a genuinely nice guy and friendly to all. We lost a good one, but pray that Gabe is resting peacefully. My condolences to Gabe’s wife and children, family, and close friends. 

I served at the SDO Courthouse for 35 years in court security. I knew Gabriel, a very prominent and respected attorney for the majority of that time. He was very friendly, personable and professional towards his clients and everyone he met.  I know that Gabriel is in heaven now for all eternity. I will miss seeing you, Gabriel. My condolences to his family. Michael Martinez

I am praying for You Gabe and Your family. You are resting now and no pain, worries or sorrow can burden you anymore. 

I worked with Gabe for many years in the Tolleson Municipal Court. He was always so kind and he never hesitated to help me with my cases.  I share so many laughs and smiles during the time I worked along side with Gabe. These memories are eternal. RIP



Well, Tio Gabe was not only an amazing man but a wonderful loving husband and step father to my Tia Melissa and cousin Frankie. I will never forget his first time to Ohio. Aunt Melissa showed him west side market and he fell in love.  Such great times filled with love laughter and some great food (especially his guacamole). 
So Tio Gabe to the moon and back we love you thank you for loving aunt missy and Frankie like they deserve. I love you and you will forever be missed. 

Titi, Gabe jr and Frankie,
I pray every night that God holds your hearts and you know how much uncle Gabe loved all of you. I can only imagine the hurt you all feel. So many prayers and good energy being sent to you each and every night. I love you all!

Love,
Alana  

I first met Gabe in 1987, and we were friends ever since.

He was a great father and a great friend.

He was also an outstanding lawyer.

He will be greatly missed.

May his soul enjoy freedom and peace.

Gabe. A solid lawyer. A solid man. This hurts and we were not even “close.” Just 25 years of laughter waiting for our matters to be called. A few drinks, Bonding over shared sports experiences (“Glory Days” ; )) Family. And sharing a profession, our profession - and all that entails - for a quarter century. A calling that kills all too many of the good ones. Here’s to Gabe. A good man. 

While our contacts were generally in the courthouse at each occasion we always spoke of what was new in our lives, always enjoyed the conversation, and always parted with a feeling that Gabe was simple a really good and nice guy who loved his family.   I will miss those interactions as time continues but will savor the good memories of this extraordinary person.


Condolences and God's comfort and peace to Gabe's family during this very difficult time.  Gabe was indeed a fine attorney and an even better person.

Sleep in eternal peace and rest my friend.

My sincerest condolences to Gabe's wife, family and friends.  I was honored to know Gabe and I will miss him dearly.   He was such a fine attorney, always helpful, and he will be greatly missed by us in the criminal defense bar.  Requiescat in pace, my friend.

I have known Gabe for 32 years, since 1988 when we started law school together at ASU.  I will miss his smile and his stories about his childhood in Phoenix.  My deepest sympathies to his family,  Rest in peace my friend.

Gabe, you were a ray of light and a spark of joy.  I will miss our long talks, the quick chats, and all the brainstorming over legal issues in the lobby, but most of all I will miss the laughter.  The halls of SDO courthouse will forever be a little more quiet.  Your guidance and friendship is missed.  My deepest condolences.  Your family is in my prayers.  Goodbye my friend.

Gabe, a very fine trial lawyer, and I defended a couple of knuckleheads in a long federal conspiracy trial.  So many hilarious things happened during the trial that every time Gabe and I saw each other in court over the years, we would just shake our heads and laugh - without saying a word.  Peace my brother.



May his soul rest in peace and his loved ones be comforted in their time of need.  Gabriel was a great attorney, public defender and great person to know.  Always had good stories to make you laugh.  He will be greatly missed!  Prayers to the family!

Gabe and I met at Phoenix College became friends and kept in touch throughout the years.  I remember one afternoon at Arizona State University I sat with him for a few minutes and he explain to me how he got into law school and I followed his advice and ended up going to University Nebraska Law.  After I graduated Gabe and I worked together for a few years.  He was a great friend and a fantastic person I will miss him.  My condolences to Gabriel’s family and friends.  Rest In Peace my friend.

Valdez.  Thanks for teaching us the ropes.  Grateful for your encouragement, your humor and your stories.  Valdez es mejor. 

Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

Gabe ... donde estes ... gracias por toda tu ayuda ... mis principios como intérprete te Los debo ... cuando trabajábamos en el viejo edificio de la corte municipal ... Por la calle 7 ...siempre tan amable ... Que Dios le de a tu familia consuelo ...hasta luego 🙏🏽 

Gabe was a very joyful person to be around and always kind and funny.  We graduated from law school together and shared many social and political ideas.  We also celebrated our graduation together with other Hispanic classmates.  He was a great guy.  May his soul Rest In Peace with the angels in heaven. 🙏🏼

I am so sorry to hear that Gabe passed away.  I went to ASU law school with him.  I just remember him as a very happy go lucky guy.  Just a very very  nice guy...I pray that God will be there to welcome him into his kingdom..  Praying for the repose of his soul.  May God bring his peace to all his family.  Again my deep condolence to his wife and family.  

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Gabriel Valdez Jr.

5 janvier 1964 – 30 octobre 2020

Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Crystal Rose

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