Gabino Zaldivar Jr. passed away peacefully on May 9, 2019, in Laguna Hills, California surrounded by his family. Gabino was 83 years old. Born August 11, 1935, in El Paso, Texas, Gabino moved to California where he settled and grew up in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles.

After returning from overseas military service in the Marines, Gabino married Guillermina on May 24, 1958 and began a lifelong marriage of 59 years. A consistent, reliable force, Gabino relentlessly provided for and guided his family through thick and thin. In 1973 Gabino and Guillermina moved to Irvine and raised their 4 son family in the fast growing city.

A committed husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, the patriarch of a large extended family; he is survived by his three sons and their wives, Gilbert and Colleen, Victor and Donna and Michael and Jacqueline. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Guillermina who departed on June 21, 2017 and second son, Ruben in 2001. In addition to his three surviving sons, Gabino is survived by 9 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren – with one more on the way due August 5, 2019.

Gabino spent his final two years, without Germaine, chasing down doctor appointments and medications; all the while ensuring we didn’t miss our “Good night” and “Good morning” text messages. As we have come to find out, Gabino is a Spanish name meaning “God is my strength”. This fits our father perfectly. Gabino is my strength, our father is our strength, and God is my strength. Godspeed Gabino Zaldivar, Jr. you are missed but always with us.

Visitation, Vigil and Rosary will be held at O’Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills, CA on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 7 to 9 PM. Funeral mass will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Irvine, CA, beginning at 10 AM on Saturday, May 25, 2019, followed by interment at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach, CA. Reception to follow.