Gilbert "Beto" Gallardo, Sr.

Gilbert "Beto"  Gallardo, Sr., age 90, of Adrian, MI, passed away, February 25, 2015, surrounded by all his children.  He was born on September 12, 1924, in Paris, TX, to Manuel & Maria (Rives) Gallardo.  On May 10, 1948, he married Helen Rodriguez in Toledo, OH.  They celebrated 57 of years of marriage until her passing on January 31, 2006, and together they raised eleven children.  Gilbert retired from Tecumseh Products in 1987.  He was a member of St. Mary's of Good Counsel Church where he was active in the Cursillo. bilingual choir, an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus.  Gilbert was an accomplished musician and although he mastered a number of instruments his specialty was the saxophone.  Gilbert was the last surviving member of his family which included three sisters and three brothers.  Gilbert is survived by his seven daughters, Cathy (Dan Alcorta) Gallardo, Rita Ybarra, Liz (David) Soto, Monica (Gerald) Cosme' all of Adrian, Virginia (Rudy) Mirelez of Blissfield, Mary (Dave) Sanchez of Toledo and Connie (George) Suess of Silver Springs, MD, two sons, Jesse Gallardo of Las Vegas, NV and Gilbert Jr. (Patti) Gallardo of Clarksville, TN, twenty three grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, seven great great grandchildren, brother in law, Ray Rodriguez, sisters in law, Maria Gallardo, Angie Gallardo and Victoria Silva.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Christina and his son, Chris, grandchildren, Veronica Flores and Titus Mirelez, sons in law, Rico Chapa and John Ybarra, three sisters, Otilla, Virginia and Felicia Gallardo and three brothers, Luis, Felix and Jesse Gallardo.  Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 AM Monday, March 2, 2015, at St. Mary of Good Counsel Church, 305 Division St., Adrian, MI, with Fr. Shaun Lowery presiding.  Rite of Committal will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, March 1, 2015, at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI and also on Monday at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of service.   A. Vigil Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Sunday. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Mary of Good Counsel Church, Adrian, MI.  www.PurseFuneralHome.com