Gilberto F. Cantu

Gilberto F. Cantu, of East Chicago, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026, at the age of 95 at home with his daughter, Anna Cortes, by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane E. Cantu; and son, Gilberto Cantu, Jr.

Gilberto is survived by his children, David (Hidemi) Cantu, Jorge (Myrna) Cantu, Diane (Tom) Franczek, Anna Cantu-Cortes, and Robert (Bertha) Cantu; grandchildren, Christina Renee Cantu, Desiree (Gabriel) Montano-Rosario, Stephen (Katarzyna) Cantu, Michael (Jennifer) Cantu, Dr. Antonio (Brenda) Cortes, Christian (Jennifer) Cantu, Joseph (Laura) Cortes, Robert Cantu, Christopher Cantu, Margarete Cantu, Michelle Cantu, Robert Jr. Cantu, Nicole Cantu, Natalie Cantu, Jennifer Franczek, and Leah Franczek; as well as numerous great-grandchildren.

Gilberto served in the U.S. Army and was part of the armed servicemen deployed during the Korean War. Following his service he worked at Inland Steel until his retirement. He was always involved in the local community, including the Union and American Legion Post (508). He also served on the Board of the Parks and Recreation in East Chicago, IN.

Gilberto will be missed very much by many, but most of all by his great-grandson, Leonardo, whom he helped raise, and his daughter whom he lived with for multiple decades during the last seasons of his life. We may not be able to hold your hand any longer, but you are in our hearts and minds. We love you great grandpa and dad.

Memorial and burial will occur on July 25, 2026 at 10am, at St. John-Joseph Cemetery, 1547, 167th St., Hammond, IN, 46320.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Cantu family.