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Joe Gilbert Obituary
Joe passed away suddenly at his home on Monday Nov 29. He lived life for each day, and loved his family and friends dearly. Joe leaves behind his three children, Kara [Kreer], Lars and Alyssa Gilbert, and his four beloved grandchildren Ryan, Ava, Emma and Lani. He also leaves behind his brothers Bud and Greg Gilbert, and his nieces Amy and Lori.
Joe was a longtime Santa Cruzan, master carpenter, beloved friend and mentor to so many. He always had a joke, smile and a laugh ready for everyone, he had a zest for life that was contagious.
He loved the ocean and was a surfer, and also a sportsman; golfer, disc golf, and a huge Giant's and Niner fan.
Joe was a dedicated Grandpa and lived his life for his family.
He lived life to the fullest and will be terribly missed.
Everyone who knew and loves Joe is invited to his memorial service at 2:30pm Saturday Dec 11 at Santa Cruz Memorial Oakwood Chapel behind Dominican, followed by a celebration of his life at 7pm at the Crows Nest Bar.
In Lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Joe Mama Memorial Bench can be made at Wells Fargo [acct #5104321137] under Kara Kreer's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Gilbert
Paul Lowery
November 27, 2023
Joemama was a great friend!! Really miss him
DAVID RIVERS
November 28, 2019
It's hard to believe that it's been nine years since your passing. Time just gets away so fast. Looking forward to the day we can embrace again in heaven for eternity. Maybe we could ride the waves together again, if the Lord is willing. Vicki and I will always hold you in our hearts and remember all the great times and years we had together. You kids remember that Joe was the best friend a man could ask for , here on earth. Thanks for the memories. Much love to you all. Dave and Vicki
Jose' and Margot Vera
December 13, 2010
Have been hanging around earth for 66 years and have had only a handful of people I've called true friends.
Joe Mama was one of those people.As Joey used to say we were tied at the hip. Margot and I will truly miss you Joey. Our condolences and we'll see you kids next time-Jose'
Jose' and Margot Vera
December 13, 2010
There have been only a hand full of people in my 66 years of hanging around this earth that I have called true friend's.Joe Mama was one. Margot and I will dearly miss you.Had some beer and Tequila in your honor during your service in Ca.-Jose'
Sue
December 13, 2010
What a awesome service your kids had for you on Saturday, I'm sure you were very proud.
Justin Noren
December 13, 2010
My old neighbor, always stayed friends no matter what, always had a good attitude, and would love to share. He was a great cook. He's ask me what I've been cooking for my family to glean a new perspective. I miss him already. I love you Joe.
Pierce Lett
December 10, 2010
Although our family only knew Joe for the past 2-3 years, we sure were glad to have gotten to know him. He was a great asset to his Grandson Ryan's Baseball Team.....He got to say things I wasn't supposed to say! Thank you Joe for your efforts epsecially this past Championship Run Season Go TIGERS! Our hearts go out to his family and friends, I will miss the encouragement you gave to me and my son Brendan.....Aloha!
Chris Walker
December 10, 2010
Joe Mamma you will be deeply missed. I have so many great memories of you and your kids. Thanksgivings, concerts, bomb fires, birthdays, everything. You were always up for a good time. There was only one "Joe Mamma" I thank you for having such great kids by the way. Kara, Lars, and Alyssa I love you.
December 8, 2010
To the Gilbert and Kreer families - When a father leaves so many happy yesterdays, his love will last through all of your tomorrows. Our hearts and prayers are with you all and we will be with you in spirit all through this weekend. We love you, Jim and Sandy
December 6, 2010
Our family is sending love and prayers to you three wonderful kids of Mamma's! Our heart goes out to you! Nicolas, Noah & Kahlie all have had their own special love for your father. There will only ever be one Joe Mamma! My block walk to the beach will never be the same with out knowing if Joe is going to wonder out to yell "hey Pog". Everyone who knew Joe loves & will miss him terribly....too too soon.
Rest in Peace my brother. Kids please let me know if I can be there for you in any way...please.~pogie Calderon
Paul Lowery
December 6, 2010
Joe was a good man. I met so many of my Santa Cruz friends through him in the early 90's. During the summers, after a long day of driving the parasail boat around the wharf, I would go to his house to 'relax'. He always had a smile on his face a funny story. He had some great quotes too. You will be missed Joe.
Oscar & Teri Lara
December 4, 2010
To the Gilbert family our thoughts and prayers. To Joe "mama" may you rest in peace brother....
Oscar & Teri Lara
Al & Joy Boughey
December 4, 2010
Our prayers are with the Gilbert family as they go through this sad and trying time. God Bless.
Mari Vera Zellner
December 4, 2010
The Man, The Myth, and now THE LEGEND! "WHAT'S UP BUCK!!??" Joe Mama was my first friend and housemate when i moved to Santa Cruz. He immediately took me under his wing and treated me like his daughter. Even called me his adopted daughter. I will always cherish him, his wittiness, his unconditional love for his family and friends, his zest for life, and most of all his friendship. I can't believe you are gone, it was too soon. Cheers to you, Joe Mama! I love you and miss you! My heart and love goes out to all three of you, Kara, Lars, and Biss
Mari Vera Zellner
December 4, 2010
The Man, The Myth, and now THE LEGEND! "WHAT'S UP BUCK!!!" Joe Mama you were my first friend and housemate here in Santa Cruz, you took me under your wing and treated me like your daughter. You even called me your adopted daughter.. I will forever remember and cherish you and your wittiness, zest for life, happiness,unconditional love for family and friends, and most of all your friendship. Can't believe you're gone already, it was too soon. I love you, Bud!! Cheers to you!!!!!!! You will be greatly missed.
December 3, 2010
How can one sum up in a few words, the love we have shared with Joe. Over forty years. You're truely a brother, a friend and a partner in so many, sometimes crazy, memories. We love you and will think of you everytime we hit a golf ball, throw a freezbee, or watch a wave break. Thanks for the memories. We love you and miss you, til we meet again. Zorb & Vicki
Margie Wallace
December 3, 2010
Joe was, without a doubt, one of a kind.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Brian O'Connor
December 3, 2010
To the "Mama" family, you all know how much your dad influenced so many people in such a positive way. Joe was my neighbor for many years, and a good neighbor and friend at that.
Along with you reading this, I am still in shock. Dang it Joe, you shoulda looked after / checked in to your symptoms, but I know you too felt invincible or that it would take care of itself.
Carry on Gilbert clan and continue the love of life that Joe exhibited each and every day, and that he instilled in you. Those who knew him are better people for it, I certainly am. All the best.
Lorna Helick
December 3, 2010
I will remember Joe always for his kindness and generosity, and I will cherish the signed copy of Rachael Ray's 30-Minute Meals that he gave me many years ago. Food Network will be difficult to watch without thinking of Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Bill Chave
December 3, 2010
RIP Joe Mama! Always enjoyed hanging out with you. You will be thought of often.
Kirsten
December 3, 2010
Joe made the room light up in laughter from the first time I met him. His shining humor, sense of family integrity and inclusion for all that enjoyed his company speaks beyond most personalities. Knowing such a man has touched us all so deeply. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Joe "Mama". You are missed and will always be greatly loved.
Dan & Tami
December 3, 2010
What a huge loss for everone who who knew and loved "Joe Mama".You always had the right thing to say and you were a very generous person.I know your family loved you very much.
Al
December 3, 2010
No one I know didn't like Joe. He was the sort of man we need more of.
Adios, Amigo; hope to see you on the other side.
Peggy & Bill Jenkins
December 3, 2010
Because of Joe's generosity and sense of humor, he attracted lots of friends. I know there will be plenty of support for his family because he knew and loved so many people. He's at rest and in good hands now. All our best to Joe's family, especially his grandchildren.
Cloudy
December 3, 2010
Memorial bench? What a great idea! It was obvious from the first time I met Joe that he was a special kind of soul.
The quiet wisdom he possessed with the child-like love of life was something you don't see often enough. I will miss him so much. I can't say that any of my other friends' parents would go out of their way to make it to a birthday party of mine or our other friends' to say hi and it always meant so much when he did. Or charming me with "I love my wiener" wristbands and sticker gifts in homage to my chihuahua/wiener dog Tanner. What a funny, thoughtful guy!
The world is a little less funny without you Joe. Cheers to you and people like us.
Heidi Shank
December 3, 2010
You will be very missed by everyone that came into contact with you. You had a way of making people feel like they really mattered. Your zest for life was contagious. So much love to the Gilbert family.
Sue
December 3, 2010
I will miss your smiling face and warm greeting coming up from the beach Joe. You will be terribly missed by alot of people, rest in peace friend.
Jeff Kreer
December 3, 2010
Love you and miss you man, forever and always in our hearts! You were a great man, an awesome friend, an incredible Grandpa and loving Father. I'm so grateful to have been your son in law and spent the time together that we had. Much respect, you will be very missed.
Wanda House
December 3, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brenda Jenkins
December 3, 2010
Joe was an amazing man and was loved by so many!! He always had a smile on his face and made it a point for you to laugh, usually at his dumb jokes... somehow he always made them funny. ;)
Love You Dad!
Cheryl King
December 3, 2010
Oh Mama! What a life you led! You did it your way. You worked. You laughed. You loved. You raised your kids to be kind loving people and dedicated yourself to making them so. (I can't wait to see you guys) You shared of yourself with others, selflessly. Especially your down home humor. Anyone who knew Joe remembers his easy going laughing nature, first. This world is not the same knowing that you are gone.
Rest, old friend. You earned it. My prayers are with Kara, Lars and Alyssa and your children. Your families. I am so sorry for your loss. xo
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