Gilbert O Noriega Sr.

Gilbert O. Noriega, Sr, born November 8, 1946 raised in Phoenix, passed away peacefully on Friday February 15, 2019 at Hospice Palliative in Surprise. He is survived by his wife of 40 years Donna, by his children, Nicholas, Gilbert Jr., Yolanda, Angie, Gabriel and Christina, sisters Gloria Reynolds, Lily Gonzales, brothers Ruben and Richard, grandchildren Olivia, Jacob and Katherine and great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Before his retirement, Gilbert was a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Arizona. He also was a teamster for many years in the brewery division. He had a passion for cooking and was the person everyone would call for recipes. If you wanted to learn how to make a certain food he would be there to teach you. Any gathering big or small had to have the right food and cooked only by him. Gilbert loved spending time with his grandchildren going to Disneyland, San Diego. Catalina Island and other sites. His favorite vacations were to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas and Reno and his infamous trips back east where the fast pace was not for him. He loved the casino especially playing the slot machines. Gilbert loved “old cars” – talking about them, working on them or watching Barrett Jackson. If an old car was broken, he could fix it. Gilbert could dance the night away. If music was playing he was the first one on the dance floor and the last one off. He was a friend to everyone and would help anyone in need.

He will be missed by all especially by his wife Donna.

Visitation will be held at Crystal Rose Funeral Home on Thursday February 21st from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a remembrance service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gilberts name to Hospice of the Valley www.hov.org/donate.