Gilberto Villanueva

Mi Apa, “El Mecanico” Gilberto Villanueva Medina the son of Consuelo Villanueva Medina and Felix Medina was born on September 22, 1940, in Reynosa, Tamulipas, Mexico. He self-taught himself how to fix cars at the age of 12 in Mexico. Gilberto migrated to the United States with his mother and his siblings. His priority as a young man, was ensuring his mother and his siblings were taken care of. When Gilberto arrived in the United States he worked in the agricultural fields and continued practicing working on cars and where he was later known as “El Mecanico.” His love for cars was undeniable. There was nothing to small nor too big for Gilberto to repair. Gilberto Medina met his wife, Marina Molina Medina, the two had 12 children. Gilberto loved his wife and his children. He and his wife lived in Brawley, CA with their first six children. There Gilberto enjoyed attending the flea markets, always finding things to fix and then sell. His passion in fixing things was obvious, such a talented and gifted man. One day he bought a truck load of shoes. Gilberto told his children to “pick out shoes for school,” ensuring his children had what they needed for school. He and his wife would later settle in Sunnyside, WA where they had their younger six children. Gilberto was kind to all and a simple man. He enjoyed drinking coffee early in the morning while eating Mexican sweat bread. Gilberto loved to read the Bible and pray to God every day. He was thankful for everyday he had. Gilberto was ahead of his time. He with his family migrated to cities to pick fruits and vegetables, there were times he would sell what he picked from his red and white Chevy pick-up. Gilberto worked for Pete Barr and Jerry Steals. He was a proud worker for many years. In 2005 Gilberto had a stroke and spent the rest of his life at several nursing homes, Memorial Hospital and Prestige Nursing Home. He was visited by his family and each time his family would visit him it truly made a difference for him. He was the longest surviving resident of Prestige Nursing Home. Gilberto was loved by so many. His teachings in repairing cars passed down to his two sons, Pablo, and Robert Medina. Gilberto gave his life to Christ and taught his love for Christ to his children. Gilberto quietly departed this life on October 22, 2022, at Astria Sunnyside Hospital in Sunnyside, WA. He is proceeded in death by his wife, Mariana Molina Medina, his sons, Pablo and Chris Medina, his mother Consuelo Rodriguez Villanueva, his father, Felix Medina, his sisters, Nellie Gutierrez and Maria de Consuelo Rodriguez. His beautiful life will forever be cherished by in the lives of his children: Nora (Justin) Newhouse, Gilbert (Lorraine) Medina, Leticia Estudillo, Maggie (Dominic) Charvet, Jaime Medina, Beronica Medina, Ruby (David R.) Medina, Esmeralda Medina, Robert Medina, Yolando (Ceasar) Medina and 25 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. His surving siblings, Thelma (Raymond) Jue, Gloria Tovar, Lupe (Olga) Rodriguez, Juanita Coronado, Teresa Lopez, Paula Rubio and Martina (Darrin) Rodriguez and so many aunts, uncles and nieces and nephews. Living sisters and brothers, Thelma Jue, Gloria Tovar, Lupe and Olga Rodriguez, Juanita Coronado, Teresa Lopez, Paula Rubio, and Martina Rodriguez. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gilberto Villanueva, please visit our flower store.