Joseph Gilbert Alatorre (Gil)

Joseph Gilbert Alatorre (Gil) peacefully entered heaven on August 21st, 2021 at the age of 93. He passed in his sleep of natural causes.

Gil was born in March, 1928 at the beginning of the depression to Antonio and Carmen Alatorre. A proud graduate of South Gate High School, he served in the Army during WWII, where he trained first as a radio operator for the 101st airborne, then then as a medical assistant. After an honorable discharge he was the first in his family to attend college, graduating from Woodbury College with a degree in accounting.

In 1952 he married the love of his life Virginia, and together they had 4 children. First employed as a salesman, he joined Oscar Meyer and worked his way up within the corporation. While at Oscar Meyer he was one of the first in management with Spanish proficiency and was asked to open new markets in South America, Texas, Iowa and Wisconsin, bringing his family and discovering the world. Keeping his promise to his wife, the family returned to Southern California when the children entered high school. In La Habra, Gil fulfilled a lifelong dream of being an entrepreneur, purchasing and running a print shop: Tech Arts.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years - Virginia, his children, Annette, Ron, Patricia, and Eric, his brother, Ernie in addition to 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Additionally there is a plethora of Nieces, Nephews, in-laws and near relatives that all share in honoring his memory.

Gil was a natural born leader. In his work and within the family, he was sought after to make speeches (which he loved to do), MC events and otherwise be a focal point at every opportunity. Even as his health declined, his curiosity, and sense of humor buoyed him and helped him enjoy his final years with many family members. He will be remembered for his distinctive voice, many stories, sharing his opinions, supporting his children, providing for others whenever possible and ensuring that his wife of nearly 70 years was cared for. His legacy of caring and providing for others will live on with all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel in Whittier, Ca. on October 3, 2021. Internment will be conducted at the Riverside National Cemetery with full military honors on October 4th in a private ceremony.