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Antonio Gil Obituary
Longtime UF Spanish professor Antonio C.M. Gil passed away peacefully at his home on June 22, 2021, surrounded by family.
Antonio was born in Havana, Cuba on November 22, 1946. Following the 1959 revolution, he was exiled to Mexico where he lived until his early 20s. After immigrating to the United States, he settled in Eugene, Oregon where he received his BA from the University of Oregon. While he studied at UO, he met his ex-wife Sarah. After graduating, he and Sarah moved to Columbus, Ohio where he continued his graduate studies and teaching at The Ohio State University. During this period, Antonio and Sarah welcomed the birth of their son, A.J.
In 1981, Antonio took a job at UF, where he would teach Spanish and Italian until his retirement in 2018. He was a staple in the department of Romance Languages and Literatures, later the department of Spanish and Portuguese, administering the beginning Spanish program. During his 37 years of teaching and administration at UF, he touched countless lives of students, colleagues, and fellow faculty/staff. He continued teaching after his retirement, leading a world-spanning spiritual group.
In 2006, Antonio met his soon-to-be wife Nancy. They were married on December 24, 2009. Following his retirement, Antonio and Nancy spent time traveling, including visits to England to visit his beloved granddaughters Evelyn, Caitlyn, and Joslyn.
Antonio will be remembered for his incredibly welcoming nature, his infectious joy, and his perpetual sense of humor. Always with an open door to his home or office, Antonio would not tolerate anyone in his orbit being alone or without his care. He is survived by his wife Nancy, son and daughter-in-law, A.J. and Jordan Gil, his daughters and sons-in-law, Nicole and Brian Kiedrowski, Jennifer and Ross Penman, and their daughters Evelyn, Caitlyn, and Joslyn. He will be missed by many, many more.
A Celebration of Life will take place July 10th at the Blue Gill Restaurant, starting at 2pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Antonio Gil
Sponsored by Gainesville.com.
Kristina Nilsson
August 16, 2021
I met Antonio 2016 in a spiritual group online. He also became my spiritual mentor a couple of month after our online meeting. I remember him by his warmth and loving nature. His humor was infectious and revolutionary. I called him father/and referred his soul as St:Nicholas because that was what his presence eluded in those 5 years, his presence was so comforting, uplifting, joyful and ever so inspiring. My condolences goes out to to his beloved family who was his pride and joy.
Joel
July 9, 2021
When Richard Spencer came to speak at UF, the campus shut down for the most part. Profe Gil said he would show up that day "just in case", and I didn't think he should have to do so alone. When I offered to stay he chuckled and talked with me about a few experiences in Cuba before he left and assured me he'd be fine. I stayed anyway. That was the event that started my deep appreciation of his humor and sense of life. I stopped by his office often, and I will miss him.
My condolences to his family.
Phyllis Joy
June 30, 2021
My beloved little sister love never fade. His love will ever be with you to support you. I know Tony had be a good man for God to bless him with you. Much LOVE.
Carol Murphy
June 28, 2021
Antonio was a wonderful colleague, taken from us too soon. I think of him fondly and with great respect. My sincere condolences to Nancy and A.J.
Susan Halderman
June 28, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and the family, Nancy! Love you and miss you.
George T. Diller
June 27, 2021
You were a fine, uplifting colleague in the department.
Bernadette Adams Cailler
June 27, 2021
Tony was a very dear and faithful friend. I know my late husband, violinist Elwyn Adams, would be as sad as I am to hear about his passing. My heartfelt sympathy to A.J., Nancy, and to the whole family
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