Mariano was born in Zacapu, Michoacan, Mexico and raised in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He enjoyed his time as a youth soccer coach in the 1980s, 1990s through the early part of the 2000s. Mariano dedicated his life to the hospitality industry as a waiter and cook in various nightclubs, hotels and restaurants in Bayview, Brownsville, Harlingen, and South Padre Island, Texas.
He was a business owner, operating the restaurants El Fenix in Matamoros, Regio Azteca and Tres Salsas Café in Brownsville in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. His customers, restaurant employees and soccer alumni enjoyed his delicious recipes and praised his culinary talents. In his later years, Mariano loved his time in the kitchen, sharing recipes with his sons and family members, teaching his grandchildren how to cook, and catering for family events and gatherings.
He was always supportive of his family, encouraged them to pursue their dreams, and devoted himself to helping them overcome life’s many challenges. His wife and sons will never forget his selfless acts, strong character, and tenacious drive to succeed. They credit him for inspiring them to accomplish important milestones as entrepreneurs in business, legal professionals, responsible employees in the private sector, and academics in higher education.
Mariano was also kind to everyone in his community, and he enjoyed speaking with people from all walks of life. He shared words of wisdom and encouragement with friends and strangers alike, as that was his nature. To share a memory or send an online condolence, log on to Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista’s website.
Mariano is survived by his spouse Virginia Perales Gil; by three children: Mario Gil, Mariano Gil, Jr. (Ulu Merlin Gil), Davd Gil (Jennifer Acevedo); three grandchildren: Alessandro Mariano Gil, Victoria Merlin Gil and Iker Massimo Gil; four siblings: Belinda Gil Villa, Lilia Gil Torre, Amelia Gil Moreno and Martin Gil Zaragosa; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents Eloisa Zaragoza Gil and Vicente Gil Juarez.
A service will be held on October 22, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Primera Iglesia Presbiteriana Mexicana, 616 E Jefferson St, Brownsville, TX 78520. In lieu of floral arrangements, please send donations to the family via Facebook messenger Virginia Perales Gil or Cash App $VPGil.
