Gilbert Narvaez

Narvaez, Gilbert
(December 13, 1929 - August 21, 2018)
Our beautiful and beloved spouse and father, Gilbert Narvaez, 88, of Los Angeles, California, left this life, after succumbing to an extended medical condition, on August 21, 2018. Gilbert, "POP", passed sweetly and quietly at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by his family who had provided compassionate care for him for over 30 years.

Gilbert is survived by the love of his life for 67 years, Celmira; sons, Mark and Michael; sister, Sally; brothers, Raul (Alice), Arthur (Marysia) and Alfred (Yolanda); sister-in-law, Enriqueta Portillo; brothers-in-law, Raul Portillo and John Papa, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Gilbert was preceded in death by his oldest son and namesake, his parents, Enrique and Herlinda, his brother, Ruben (Esther), and his sister-in-law, Caroline Papa.

Gilbert, was a hero, serving his country honorably in the Korean War, always proudly recalling his service in the United States Army, 7th Division, 35th Regiment, King Company. Gilbert, will always be fondly remembered for his dedication to faith, family, and friends, and for his endearing smile, sparkling brown eyes, infectious laughter, and sense of humor, with which he greeted, embraced, and comforted all those that had the pleasure of crossing his path. After meeting and falling in love with Celmira, Gilbert left Los Angeles, building a family and life in her home of El Paso, Texas, where he began a long-time career in the construction industry. The majority of homes which Gilbert had a hand in designing and building, still provided shelter and security for families on El Paso's Westside. Gilbert is recalled by many nicknames, including "The Legend","Champ" and "Gil the Thrill", all serving as testimony to endearment in which he was and will continue to be held by many. Even following the commencement of his long struggle with various health and medical conditions and challenges, Gilbert continued to teach and model for those in his circle of care, attributes of kindness, courage and resilience. Above all, bravely rising above all his medical maladies, was his sweet smile, spirit and his joy in fully living out each moment of every day.

Our family would like to express special gratitude and appreciation to Heartland Hospice for their loving care and support over the past year. We are also grateful to Daniels Family Funerals and Cremations for their sensitive assistance with all memorial service arrangements.

A memorial service and rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 30 at Daniels Family Funerals and Cremation located at 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM , followed by a religious service the following day at 1:00 p.m. Friday, August 31 at Risen Savior Catholic Church located at 7701 Wyoming Blvd. NE. Gilbert's remains will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Military Cemetery at a later date.

Daniels Family Funeral Services

7601 Wyoming Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109

505-821-0010