Gilbert De La Mora

Gilbert passed away peacefully on September 17, 2017.  He was born on November 25, 1927 in Westwood (Lassen County), CA, son of Jose and Carmen.  He moved with his parents to San Francisco where he grew up.  Gilbert attended Mission Dolores grammar school, graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1946, and in 1950 he graduated from the University of San Francisco (USF) with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

While attending USF, Gilbert joined the US Naval Reserve (USNR).  During the Korean conflict he volunteered for active duty in the US Navy.  He served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore (CA 68) and the light cruiser USS Worcester (CL 144) during which time the ships were assigned to and operated with NATO forces with the Sixth Fleet.  Ports of call included many European, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean countries bordered by the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean.  In 1953 the Baltimore was honored by being selected to attend the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth to represent the United States and the US Navy.  Gilbert was honorably discharged from the USNR after six years of duty.  He was very proud of his service in the US Navy.

Gilbert worked for 40 years for the California State Automobile Association (AAA) in the claims department.  In 1959 he married Mary E. Canney at St. Brendan Church in San Francisco.  In 2013 Gilbert and Mary moved to Davis, CA.  He is survived by his wife Mary, his three sons Kevin (Terri), Thomas (Sally), and John and four grandchildren: Lt. Shelby Gillis U.S. Navy (Capt. Luke Gillis USAF), Nicole Williamson (Steve), Kelly, and Brian LT j.g. U.S. Navy.

In San Francisco, Gilbert served as President of the Midtown Homeowner’s Association, as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Brendan Church, and volunteered at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital.  Upon moving to Davis he volunteered at Atria / Covell Gardens.   He was an avid and lifelong fan of the San Francisco 49ers and the San Francisco Giants.  Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents (Jose Jesus De La Mora and Carmen Preciado De La Mora).

A funeral service will be held at St. James Church in Davis, Monday Sept. 25 at 10:00 am.  Private internment at a later date.   Obituary and photos can also be seen at www.smith--funerals.com.