Gilberto Escamilla, Jr.

Gilberto Escamilla Jr. passed away unexpectedly on May 22, 2024 with his family at his side. Known as Gil to some, Gibby or Gilbert to others, and most importantly Dad to Kate, he was an amazing man. After spending his childhood in San Benito, Texas on his grandfather's ranch and in San Antonio, Texas, he went on to get both his bachelor's degree and doctorate in economics from the University of Texas, Austin. Gil worked as a professor and economist at several institutions, including as a lead international economist for the U.S. which took him traveling the world. His family though was always the most important thing to him. He was a devoted father, husband, brother, and uncle, ultimately putting his career on pause to take care of his daughter. He loved spending time with his family, including introducing his daughter to jiu-jitsu and engaging in endless water gun fights where he would always seek to attack from the high ground. Many of his happiest memories were from everyday occurrences with his family by his side.

Gil had a soft spot for animals, leading a rescue dog to arrive at our house at the same time as his daughter's birth. He was generally the first person to suggest we take the dog on a car ride or get them a Christmas present. An enthusiastic sports fan, he split his NFL allegiance between the New England Patriots and San Franciso 49ers. Gil was exceptionally well read and would happily discuss history, science, or math at any time, which would at times lead him to try to explain limits while going over a routine fourth grade math assignment or to talking about arcane history at the neighborhood pub. He loved muscle cars, especially his dream car, the Dodge Hellcat, which he was able to own.

We will love and miss him forever. He didn't suffer and his family takes some comfort that he is reunited with his mom. Forever our fiercest defender, he's looking down to protect us.

Surviving Gil are his wife, Rachel (Barkley), and daughter, Katherine (also known as Kate or Katie) of Chicago, IL; sisters Sandra Chambers and husband Michael of San Antonio, Texas, and Cynthia Lopez and husband Joseph of Ferndale, WA; nephews Brayden and Samuel Chambers of San Antonio, TX; in-laws Cynthia Barkley of Falmouth, MA and Michael and wife Serina Barkley of Westwood, MA; numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins, and his devoted dog, Cooper.

He is predeceased by his mother, Dalinda Villanueva Escamilla, his grandparents Dionisio and Maria Escamilla and Santiago and Hermelinda Villanueva, his uncles Dionisio Escamilla Jr. and David Escamilla, aunt Rosario Escamilla, cousin Melissa Escamilla, and father-in-law Glenn Barkley.

A memorial will occur at a later date.