Gilbert Perez Garcia, 69, of Hanover, NM, earned his wings on January 19, 2026. Born on November 28, 1956, in Silver City, New Mexico, to Millie and Clotario Garcia, he was a devoted and loving father to 4 children. Chris, Daniel, Michael, Christina Garcia. If you asked Gilbert he would also tell you he had a 4th son. Nick Thompson lived with the family during his time playing basketball at Cobre High School and will always be considered one of the family.
Gilbert started his family at a young age and married Mona T. Garcia, who is the mother to all four of his children. Though they were later divorced, they remained friends and managed to find a healthy balance that allowed them to continue to parent together and even spend holidays and special occasions with their children.
Gilbert earned his Bachelor's Degree from Western New Mexico University and he worked in many fields throughout his life. Some of these included working at the local mines, a local bank, Gila Regional Medical Center, Fort Bayard Medical Center, and most recently he was a caregiver for An Open Door LLC, where he was able to spend his last days caring for a close personal friend.
If you knew Gilbert you might say this is fitting as those who knew him best also knew him by his childhood nickname, "Doc". His coworkers saw him as a family and he was known there for his sense of humor and his kind heart.
Gilbert was a simple man who enjoyed simple pleasures. It didn't take much to make him laugh or smile. Something as simple as hearing about one of his children's achievements or finding the time to go out to dinner with them was all it took to bring out the proud father in him. Gilbert was an avid sports fan. Though he most enjoyed watching his sons Daniel and Michael compete in the many sports they participated in throughout the years, spending time with Christina showing him her artwork, or just spending a few happy moments with all of his children sharing a meal.
He also spent a lot of time watching his favorite sports which included football, baseball, and even golf from time to time. His sons will all remember some of their happiest times with their dad as watching professional wrestling, both live and on TV. His favorite Football team was the Pittsburgh Steelers and it was rare to see him not sporting a Steelers shirt or jacket.
Though my dad may not have liked being the center of attention, he still found a way to make his presence known to all who were privileged to know him well. His laugh is unforgettable, his smile was infectious, he welcomed a phone call from a friend or family, and he truly knew how to make you feel good about yourself. We were blessed to have him as a father. Though Gilbert lived a simple life without many luxuries, he often said, "I am a rich man—my children are my diamonds."
Gilbert is survived by not just a large family, but also so many friends, coworkers, and members of the community where he lived most of his life. The memories we have with him will be cherished forever. May he rest in eternal peace knowing that he was loved by so many.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 28, from 5:00–6:00 p.m. at Terrazas Funeral Chapels, with the Holy Rosary to be recited by Deacon Art Gutierrez at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral
Mass will be celebrated Thursday, January 29, at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church, with Father Martin officiating. Interment will follow at 4:30 p.m. at Hanover Cemetery.
Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.
