Obituaries

Sep 30, 2026

Sep 30, 2026

Caroline “Carol” Sanchez, affectionately known by her family as “Cheeks,” passed away on September 30, 2026, at the age of 76, leaving behind a family who will forever remember her enormous smile, unforgettable sense of humor, and feisty spirit.

Carol was born on August 22, 1950, in San Jose, California, to Margaret Reyes and Fernando P. Sanchez. Family was always an...

Sep 28, 2026

Our beloved Rodolfo-Rudy Alfaro joined the Heavenly Angels on September 28, 2026. He was known as, ‘the warmest, kind-hearted gentleman,’ with the most-sincere smile for everyone. On this day, he reunited with his son David Alfaro, who preceded him March 11, 1993.

Everyone knew him as Rudy.

An honorable man, with a dream…~

Rudy was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on April 21,1944...

Sep 27, 2026

Donald Charles Zander, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, proud U.S. Army Veteran and member of the Gilroy community, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026, in San Jose, California, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was 76 years old.

Donald was born on December 13, 1949, in Port Huron, Michigan, to Richard and Avonne Zander. After serving...

Sep 25, 2026

I can share the facts of my sister's life: where she worked and what she did in her free time. But none of that would tell you what mattered.

She was the eldest of thirteen children. When our Family faced its hardest times, she was the one who held us together. She loved us unconditionally and asked for nothing in return. 

She...

Sep 23, 2026

Michael “Bardo/B” Salgado, age 56.

On September 23rd, 2026, a brisk Wednesday morning in Merced, California, the lord gently called Michael Salgado home. With his earthly duties fulfilled, now embarks on his spiritual journey walking among the angels in heaven's eternal peace.

Michael is reunited with his parents Phyllis and Ramiro, his sister Patty and brothers Raul and Ernie Salgado. He is...

Sep 22, 2026

Barbara Peurifoy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 22 at the age of 80.

Born in Fontana, California, Barbara lived a life centered on family, caring for others, and a deep appreciation for the people she loved.

Barbara shared nearly 50 years of marriage with her husband, Andy. Together, they built a life filled with family,...

Sep 21, 2026

My father was a story teller by nature and an engineer by passion.

He experienced more in the first ten years of his life than most people experience in their entire lives. By the age of 10 he had survived polio and the Holocaust. He had lost nearly all of his extended family and his closest brother.

At 13 his was one...

Sep 20, 2026

Marilyn Jeanne Rocca passed away peacefully on September 20, 2026, at the age of 79. A strong, multi-talented woman with boundless energy and a joyful spirit, she was devoted to her family, respected in her communities, and treasured by a wide circle of friends.

Marilyn was born in Berkeley in 1947 to Frank and Ida Vigna and grew up on the...

Sep 19, 2026

In Loving Memory of Jesus “Jesse” Salinas Jesus Salinas, lovingly known as Jesse and also known as “Bandit,” passed away on September 19, 2026, at the age of 63. Jesse endured many hardships throughout his life. During his final years, he turned to Jesus, finding comfort, strength, and peace in his faith. Jesse will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered...

Sep 16, 2026

Daniel M. Mello, 87, longtime Gilroy resident, passed away September 16 with his loving wife Linda by his side.

The proud grandson of Portuguese immigrants, Dan was born on January 8, 1939 in French Camp, California.

Dan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering from Fresno State University and his Master of Business Administration Degree from Golden Gate University.

Dan moved with his...

Sep 15, 2026

Joe Santos, 88, of Gilroy, California, passed away on September 15, 2026. Born April 1, 1938, in Cedros, Faial, Azores, Portugal, Joe immigrated to the United States in 1958 where he landed in Merced CA milking cows. Later he met the love of his life, Lucy Soares, in San Jose and married April 19, 1964. During the 62 years together...

Sep 14, 2026

Fidel Vargas, beloved husband, dog father, brother, uncle, son in law, brother in law, Nino and friend passed away unexpectedly on Sep 14, 2026.

Fidel was born in San Jose on February 24, 1976. He was raised in Gilroy.

He started working at a young age in the fields of Gilroy and San Martin. He always had a strong work ethic. He...

Sep 8, 2026

Our hearts were pierced with woe September 8th 2026 we bid farewell to a daughter, a sister, a wife, a friend, a mother, and a wonderful woman who loved God. In recent years she battled with her health being in and out of the hospital for various complications. A few months ago she suffered cardiac arrest while in the hospital....

Sep 4, 2026

Joseph Iler Gorman, known to his friends and family as Joe, Grandpa Joe, and JoJo, passed away on September 4, 2026, in Gilroy, California, at the age of 96. He was born on August 5, 1930, in the Blaine Bottom area of Oklahoma, near the town of Keota.

Joe lived a full and active life, marked by hard work, family, athletics,...

Sep 3, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Julie Hernandez, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Julie passed away peacefully on September 3rd, surrounded by her loved ones after a brief illness.

Julie was born on September 19, 1962, to Ernie and Grace Hernandez at Wheeler Hospital in Gilroy. From the very beginning, Julie brought love and...

Aug 30, 2026

Patricia Ann Moody (Foster), known to all as "Pat," passed away peacefully at her home in Gilroy, California, on August 30, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy defined by an open heart, a joyful spirit, and a deep love for her family.

Pat’s journey began on May 13, 1933, in Pocatello, Idaho, where she was born to Newland and Katherine Foster....

Aug 30, 2026

With profound sadness and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of our beloved Chandra J. Francis.

She was the cherished daughter of Phillip and Annaratnam Ratnasamy, and the daughter-in-law of Chellappu and Mangalam Francispillai.

Chandra was the devoted wife of late Jegarajah Francis, a loving mother to Vinotha, Naveen, Visithran and Nalina, and a dear mother-in-law to Manoharan, Michelle, Shivani and Lesley...

Aug 29, 2026

A life well lived…. A life that loved well. Ellen Laverne Mathison, age 98, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, in Gilroy, CA. Born September 9, 1927, on a Wisconsin dairy farm, she was the youngest of four children. Hard work was simply a way of life from the start; alongside the never-ending rhythm of chores, she and her...

Aug 27, 2026

Raymond Bagood Orca passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026 at the age of 80. Born in Gilroy, California on October 8, 1945, he is survived by his wife Joyce, two sons Dion and Jason, his brothers Ciano, Edward, Perfecto, David, and John, sister Elizabeth, and countless extended family members and friends.

Raymond grew up in Gilroy in a large Filipino...