Gilbert Vasquez, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 17, 2013. He was born in New Braunfels, Texas on August 10, 1933 to the late Bonifacio and Juanita (Morin) Vasquez.
In 1942 the family moved to Maumee, Ohio and Gilbert attended Monclova Schools. Gilbert joined the Army in 1951 and served for 8 years including serving in the Korean War at Pork Chop Hill. While still in the Army he married his wife Elena Salazar in 1956. Gilbert was a member of the Maumee VFW Post 11115 and member and past Commander and Vice-Commander of the Maumee American Legion Post 320. He worked for the Dept. of Human Services of Lucas County as a Fraud Investigator until his retirement in 1998.
In addition to his parents, Gilbert was preceded in death by his step-father, Marcelino Martinez; brothers, Francisco, Bonifacio Jr. and Arturo; sister, Carmen Gutierrez, Elvira Zapata; grandson, Joseph Anthony II; nephews, Robert Gutierrez, Manny Zapata and Mike Zapata. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elena; sons, Gilbert Jr., Robert, Frank (Susan) and Joseph (Danielle); daughters, Deborah Smith, Sandra (Vince Jr.) Di Pofi and Barbara (Fred) Rogge; brothers, Manuel (Genova) Vasquez and Michael (Gail) Martinez; brother-in-law, Fred (Erlinda) Salazar; 14 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive guests on Sunday from 2-8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo (419-381-1900). An American Legion Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home.