Gilberto Valerio

​Gilberto Valerio, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025, in a Corpus Christi hospital after a short illness. He was born on June 21, 1944, to Cecilio and Barbarita Valerio.

Gilberto proudly served his community throughout his long and dedicated career. He retired from TxDOT after 35 years of service and worked with the City of Alice for 10 years. He also contributed his skills to S&B Infrastructure, LTD, and RRP Consulting Engineers, LLC.

A devout Catholic, Gilberto was a faithful parishioner of St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church, where he found strength, comfort, and purpose in his faith. Among his greatest joys in life was his family ranch, In La Rosita Texas, known as The Valerio Ranch. A place rich with his family’s history and spirit. The Valerio roots in La Rosita go back to the 1800’s and the civil war. Gilberto carried that legacy forward raising his cattle. Gilberto took immense pride in the land and the work he and his boys poured into it.  The annual La Rosita Dove Hunt was one of his most cherished traditions, bringing together family and friends and countless visitors who soon became family. His annual dove hunt helped raise money for educational scholarships. Gilberto welcomed everyone with open arms – at La Rosita, there were no strangers. Many hunters who first stepped onto the ranch as guests left as lifelong friends, touched by his generosity, humor, and warmth.  La Rosita was more than just a ranch; it was a reflection of Gilberto himself open-hearted, hardworking, and filled with love. 

He is preceded in death by the mother of his children, Gloria G. Valerio; his parents, Cecilio and Barbarita Valerio; his brothers, David Valerio and Armando Ramos; and his sisters, Alicia Medellin and Amelia Garcia.
Cherishing his memory are his spouse, Judith Valerio; his sons, Gilberto Valerio, Jr., Rene (Yvette) Valerio, and Ruben (Linda) Valerio; his sister, Zulema Lichtenberger; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gilberto leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, and devotion.  He was the most thoughtful dad and grandpa – never missing a birthday and always gifting his signature birthday card, a small gesture that meant so much to those he loved.  His family and friends will forever hold close to the memories of his kindness, his work ethic, and the deep pride he had for those he loved. 
​
May he rest in eternal peace.

Active Pallbearers:
Patrick Basadu, Andrew Briones, Matthew Briones, Randy Montalvo, J.B. Sanchez, Benjamin Valerio, R.J. Valerio, Ruben Vela
 
Honorary Pallbearer: Amando Gonzalez
 
Visitation will begin @ 8:00 a.m. on December 2, 2025, at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, with a Rosary to be recited at 9:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church and Burial will follow at the Valerio Cemetery in La Rosita, Texas. Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Homes, Inc., in charge of arrangements. 

---