Gilbert Peru

Gilbert C. Peru passed away peacefully at his home in Casa Grande on January 7, 2012 surrounded by his family following an extended illness. The son of Laura and Valente Peru, Gilbert was born on December 4, 1932 in Morenci, Arizona where he grew up and met his wife, Jenny. During their 57 years of marriage, Gilbert and Jenny raised their family: Gilbert (Peaches) of Casa Grande, Steve (Beth) of Flagstaff and Cindy (Mike) of Marana. Gilbert loved and adored his grandchildren: Jimmy, Christina, Sean, Justin, Matthew and Analisa, along with great-granddaughters Aviana, Marley and Aurelia.

Gilbert retired in September of 1995 from Phelps Dodge Corporation where he began in 1952 as a track laborer and rose through the ranks to retire as locomotive shop foreman. Gilbert was a skilled craftsman, having built the family home, as well as an artist designing and creating turquoise jewelry for many years. Gilbert also loved camping in the White Mountains/West Fork area with extended family where days were filled with fishing, storytelling and much laughter. In addition to being a lifelong member of the Holy Cross Parish in Morenci, Gilbert was a veteran, having served our country in the Army during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion.

Gilbert leaves behind an extended family of his brother Paul (Isabel) Peru, along with brothers and sisters-in-law Florence and Ruben Valdez, Gloria and Pete Reyes, Esther Franco, Louie and Mary Bonilla, Bobby Bonilla, Anna and Willie Gonzales, Richard and Mary Bonilla as well as many nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 11, 6-8 p.m. at Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel. A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Father Felix Rodriguez will officiate. Burial will be at Casa Grande Mt. View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.