Gilbert De La Pena

Gil was born in Saginaw, Michigan to parents Peter and Theresa DeLaPena. Family moved to Fresno in 1945 to own and operate Pena Bakery.

Gil joined the Marine Corps at age 18. After boot camp at Camp Pendleton, he was sent to Korea where he was wounded earning his Purple Heart. Gil graduated from Fresno State University earning his Bachelor of Science Degree. After retiring from Fresno County Assessor’s Office in 1983, Gil taught real estate classes at Fresno City College. He went on to owning his own successful real estate appraisal business.

Gil served as Department of California Commander Military Order of the Purple Heart – also served as Commander and many other offices of Fresno Chapter 106 Military Order of the Purple Heart. He made it his mission to help as many veterans as possible–taking them to doctor visits or taking them to Veterans Service Office to apply for or increase benefits, receive hearing aids, etc.

He made many friends and attended monthly meetings until his death. Thank you, Richard Rey and Joe Garcia, for being friends and giving him transportation to and from Purple Heart meetings. Also thank you Bob Timberlake and Melody for helping and looking out for him and thanks to step daughter, Lori, who took him for many doctor’s visits.

Gil was one of the kindest men who ever lived (just ask some of his step children & grandchildren). Some of his best memories also was raising daughter Kati alone through her teenage years.

Gil is survived by his wife Maxine DelaPena, Children: Peter DelaPena, Dawn DelaPena, Kati Litten, Sister Marianne Nickle, and step daughter Lori Rincon. Also, Grandchildren: Sam Stephens, Will Litten & Blair Litten, Chase, Ryan & Mandi DeLaPena, Step grand-children Robert & Michael Rincon Ashley Telles and many nieces & nephews.

A visitation for Gilbert will be held Wednesday, June 19, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from 11:00 AM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns and Blair Funeral Home 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.

Graveside services with Military Honors will be held Friday, June 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, Fresno, CA 93706.