Gilbert Alvarez, surrounded by family, peacefully went to rest in the arms of his Savior on June 20, 2025, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. He was 95 years old.<br><br>He was born on December 24, 1929, in Santa Barbara, CA, to Sabina and Salvador Alvarez. The oldest of eight boys, Gilbert was the ASB president of Garfield High and a 1949 graduate. He married the love of his life, Mary Quijada, on July 13, 1951, and was drafted into the U.S. Army infantry for the Korean War in February of 1952.<br><br>He was wounded twice and received two Purple Hearts.<br><br>He worked faithfully and tirelessly for his family as a heavy construction operator, building roads in the hottest place in the country. A cabinet Member of the Lions Club, he received the Lions Fellowship Award in 1990.<br><br>He coordinated international student exchanges, and with his wife, hosted many students over the years.<br><br>Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years Mary; siblings Arthur, Abelardo, Alfred, Alfonso, Adolfo, and Alejandro; and his daughter, Grace.<br><br>He leaves behind his brother, Hector; two daughters, Eleanor (Fred) and Arlene, and three sons, Gilbert (Elizabeth), Salvador (Debby) and George (Joanne); grandchildren, Anthony (Angie), Nicole (Brian), Sherrie (Jay), Cristina (Andy), Rico (Rachel), Christian, Timothy, Christopher (Adrianna), Nicholas, Ashely, Alyssa and Amanda (Evan); 17 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.<br><br>He and Mary lived to cheer on their grandkids playing sports, and Gilbert traveled cross-country several times in his 90’s to visit his great grandchildren who lovingly called him “Kahuna”.<br><br>A visitation at the In gold Funeral home in Fontana is set for July 8th (4pm -8pm) and the burial in Riverside National Cemetery with military honors will be July 9th at 12:30 pm. A reception will follow at Avilla’s 1929, 3252 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside.<br><div><br></div>