In Loving Memory of Gilbert Juarez

June 1, 1973 – July 6, 2026

Gilbert Juarez—a devoted father, loving son and brother, proud grandfather, skilled craftsman, and cherished friend to many—passed away on July 6, 2026, at the age of 53.

Born in Los Angeles, California, on June 1, 1973, to Phillip Chavez Juarez and Maria S. Juarez, Gilbert was raised in Valinda and La Puente before settling in West Covina. From a young age, Gilbert carried an extraordinary warmth and charisma. Blessed with natural charm, handsome good looks, and an inviting smile, he had a rare gift for making everyone he met feel genuinely welcomed and valued.

A Life of Hard Work and Service

An exceptional athlete in his youth, Gilbert’s passion was baseball. He excelled on the field throughout grade school and high school, earning attention from college scouts—a love for the game that he proudly shared with his father. Shortly after earning his diploma, Gilbert entered the workforce alongside his father at Quemeco Inc. to provide for his young, growing family.

Over the years, Gilbert expanded his trades and mastered new skills, always driven by a strong work ethic. Of all his professional endeavors, he took special pride in his work with Foothill Transit. Servicing his own local community allowed him to do what he loved most: connect with people, share conversations, and give back to the neighborhood he held dear. Gilbert was a true handyman at heart. Whether mastering car mechanics, taking on household projects, or even building his own drone, his love language was acts of service. If a loved one was in need, Gilbert never hesitated; he always stepped up to help without ever complaining.

A Proud Father and Family Man

Above all his endeavors, Gilbert’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his eight children. He beamed with immense pride over every single one of their achievements, never missing an opportunity to boast about them to anyone who would listen. He was his children's number one fan, attending every softball game, showcase, and award night. With a heart as gentle as it was large, Gilbert was always the very first to shed a happy tear during a graduation, milestone ceremony, or simple birthday dinner at home. Just this past June, his youngest son graduated from high school, marking the milestone of all eight of his children completing their education.

His spirit of dedication shines through his son, David, who actively serves in the U.S. Marine Corps as an aviation mechanic—the first in the family to serve in the United States Military. Gilbert was also a deeply loving grandfather to Lucy and "Jr.", delighting in playing catch with his grandson and gifting beautiful princess dresses to his granddaughter.

Joy, Music, and Unforgettable Memories

To know Gilbert was to know infectious laughter and joyful fun. He was a lifelong, passionate fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, rarely missing a chance to watch a game with his dad or his children. He cherished family road trips between Santa Cruz and home, thrill rides on rollercoasters at amusement parks, competitive games of dominoes with his dad and daughter, sunflower seeds, pistachio ice cream, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

Music was a cornerstone of his happiness. Gilbert could often be found playing his favorite 80s jams, discovering new tracks, breakdancing for his kids with his classic moves, and leaving silly, endearing voicemail messages that left family and friends laughing for days. His humor, warmth, and open-hearted nature left an indelible mark on everyone who crossed his path.

Loved Ones

Gilbert was preceded in death by his beloved father, Phillip Chavez Juarez (1937–2017), and his cherished brother, Phillip John "Johnny" Juarez (1970–1990).

He is survived and deeply missed by:

• His Mother: Maria S. Juarez

• His Sister: Maria Angelica Juarez

• The Mother of his Children: Maria O. Buriel

• His Eight Children: Yesenia Juarez (36), Adrian Gilbert Juarez (33), Ashley Lynette Juarez (31), Daisy Juarez (28), Celeste Iris Juarez (25), David Abel Juarez (20), Isaac Gilbert Juarez (19), and Gilbert Noel Juarez (18)

• His Grandchildren: Lucy and Jr.

• As well as extended family, friends, and community members whose lives he touched with his boundless kindness.

Eternal Legacy

Gilbert’s selflessness, warmth, and laughter live on through his children, grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of loving him.

"We miss you dad. We will always need you. We will think of you forever and see you in our everyday."