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Gilbert George Mata Jr.

Gilbert George Mata Jr. obituary, Stockton, CA

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DeYoung Memorial Chapel

601 N California St

Stockton, California

Gilbert Mata Obituary

Gilbert George Mata Jr.

November 15, 1958 - June 20, 2018

Gilbert George Mata Jr. passed away June 20, 2018, at the age of 59. He died peacefully at home in the embrace of family and friends. Gilbert was born Nov. 15, 1958 in Augsburg, Germany where his father was stationed at a U.S. Army base. He was the son of Gilbert George Mata Sr. and Helen Mary (Guerrero) Mata. Gilbert was one of 5 children. Shortly after the family returned stateside to Fort Campbell, KY., their father died in a car accident. Helen Mata took Gilbert and his 4 sisters back to her hometown of Stockton where Gilbert lived for the remainder of his life. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1977. He was a standout football and baseball player. His ability to avoid tackles earned him the nickname Rubber Band Man. He earned an Associate of Arts degree from San Joaquin Delta College and then went on to Fresno State University. It was at Fresno State that he met his future wife, Toni. Seven years later, they were married at St. Luke Catholic Church in Stockton. They made their home in Stockton and raised 3 amazing children. He was a devoted husband and always supported his wife's goals, including taking on more responsibility with the kids when Toni went back to school to earn a teaching degree.

Gilbert and Toni would have celebrated their 31st anniversary this September. Gilbert worked for Coca-Cola as an account manager for 33 years and loved watching his collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia grow. At work, he was affectionately known as Scoop for always having the latest news to share. Gilbert loved the outdoors, especially fishing in the Delta or taking a drive up to Mosquito Lake to test his luck. He took his family on many trips to expose them to the joy and wonder of nature. One of his favorite places was Yosemite National Park. He also enjoyed playing golf, celebrating any occasion big or small with his large, extended family, snow and water skiing, and trying his hand at new ways to barbecue tri-tip. His favorite way to cook it was bacon-wrapped. Gilbert was a member of St. Luke Church and, after retiring in 2015, took comfort beautifying the gravesites of family and friends at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery.

Those whose lives were touched by Gilbert remember him for his generous spirit, loving heart, quick sense of humor and infectious laugh and smile. He was that crazy, fun uncle to many nieces and nephews who adored his antics, even into adulthood. He was particularly close to his nephews Ronald Baca Jr. and John Anthony Gardea, whom he loved as his own sons, and his niece Michelle Gonzalez, who so strongly reflects his best qualities.

Gilbert felt a strong sense of responsibility to his sisters and mother as the family moved through life after their father's death. Gilbert never hesitated to drop what he was doing to help them out when they called. He was the only boy in the family but he gained brothers later in life after meeting George Branco and Tony Christolos when they worked together at Coca-Cola. The trio shared many happy, and sometimes hilariously embarrassing memories and remained close long after each left the company.

Gilbert's greatest joy lay with his three children. He beamed with pride when his oldest child, Elizabeth Nisby of Stockton, earned her Master's degree and went on to marry a wonderful man, John Patrick Nisby. He was over the moon when he found out they were expecting their first child due in August. He had a huge outlet for his love of athletics with his second child, Kimberly Mazza of Oakley. Her talent at soccer from age 4 through her Division 1 college career was a source of pride for him. His favorite cheer was "Boot it, Kim!!" He was fortunate to see her recently married to Nicholas Mazza, whom he trusted completely to care for his daughter. Gilbert's third child, Christopher Mata of Long Beach, was a source of pride for his academics, courage, and willingness to forge new paths for the family with his diverse interests. Although he was not able to go in person, Gilbert got to see a live stream of Christopher graduating last month from CSU Long Beach.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest sister, Theresa Gardea and her husband Anthony Gardea. In addition to his wife and children, Gilbert is survived by his sisters, Diana Baca, Christina Urrutias, and Linda Serna, all of Stockton, and sister-in-law Ellen Maddy (Stan) of Kansas. He is also survived by his nephews Ronald Baca Jr. (Christina), John Anthony Gardea (Alice), and Richard Serna Jr., all of Stockton and Nicholas Maddy; his nieces Alicia Quillantang (Ricardo), Tammy Magallanes (Jose), Michelle Gonzalez (Jose), Elena Flores (Gary), Courtney Robertson, and Samantha Serna; his aunts Arlene Judson, Margaret Gardea and Carmen Gomez; his uncles John Mata and Andrew Guerrero; numerous cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews; and 4 great-great nieces.

Services will include a visitation from 3 pm-6 pm, followed by a recitation of the Rosary at 6 pm Wednesday, June 27, at DeYoung Memorial Chapel, 601 N. California St., Stockton, CA. Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Thursday, June 28, at DeYoung Memorial. Graveside services will immediately follow at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery, Stockton, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's High School Father Fallon Endowment Fund for scholarships or St. Mary's High School athletics.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record from Jun. 24 to Jun. 25, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Mata

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Patrick Crow

November 26, 2018

For some reason, I did a google search on Gil and was sad to learn of his passing. Gil and I were teammates on the Mavericks, a farm team in Sundown LL. Though we lost touch after that one year, mainly because we went to different elementary schools and high schools, I always remember him having a smile on his face. A very positive, fun, good person, as well as a very good player. I pitched and he caught. He definitely left a very positive impression. So sorry for your loss.

Steve Barnard

July 6, 2018

So sorry to hear of Gilbert's passing. He was a such a great guy. Iv'e known Gilbert since we played little league baseball together. Gil was always such a happy guy. I will miss him.

Steve Barnard
[email protected]

Troy Mesa

July 6, 2018

My fondest memories of Saint Mary's High include Gilbert. playing my junior year in the backfield with the Rubber Band man was one of the best times I ever had in sports. Gilbert was a good guy, great teammate, always had fun, and never gave up. I am very sorry for loss, my thoughts and prayers are with your family

Liz Del Rio

June 28, 2018

May you sing with the angels and dance in the clouds.
You will deeply be missed.

Margaret/Joseph/Patricia Gardea

June 26, 2018

A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. We will never forget you Gilbert. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family.

Frank Gomez

June 26, 2018

Cuz, we spent a lot of close time together within the last year. Now i know why you were trying to tell me something but you wouldn't spit it out even though i knew something was wrong. Stud We went together one year at St. Mary's you a Freshman and me a Senior.I remember my aunt Helen your mom told me to take care of her baby and "I DID THAT". Even though you were my cousin we had fun at St.Mary's! Cuz, we were about to have more fun but you decided to take another journey. Gil , i miss you and i love you we will meet again.

Tom Armstrong

June 26, 2018

For all the years you were my Coke salesman and the many shared chit chat...... will miss you my friend.

Chris Rouppet

June 25, 2018

I am truly heart broken, Gilbert was such a great great man who was always family first, very caring and upifting to those around him. I can't express enough of my most deepest condolences to his family whom he loved so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Rosemary Coffey

June 25, 2018

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

June 24, 2018

Mr. Mata, will be missed. his gentle giant magic showed through in the love for his family and strangers too. old on to the strength that he gave to each of you. We will keep His memory in the Lives of the future generations. Love to you All.
The Blackwell(Joey, Danita, Sydney) & Williams(Ryan& Nyarie) Families

Carmen Gomez

June 24, 2018

Mejo rest in peace with all the family that was there to greet you in your going home

F.D.

June 24, 2018

Please accept my dearest and heartfelt sympathy; I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1, 2

ANDREW GUERRERO

June 24, 2018

GIL YOUR WITH YOUR MOM AND DAD FOR EVER.

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