Gilberto (Beto) Salinas Sr.
Gilberto (Beto) Salinas Sr. of Cathedral City, passed away on January 28, 2023. He was preceded in death by his wife Irma and arrived in time for a heavenly celebration of their 67th wedding anniversary on January 29th. Gilberto was born in Pharr Texas December 23, 1932 to Arcadio and Rebecca Salinas. He was the fourth of eight children, survived by Celia Cortez, David Salinas, Aida Tellez, and Olivia Cantu. Preceded in death by Carmen Martinez, Edwardo Salinas, and Arcadio Salinas. Gilberto graduated from Pharr High School in 1952 and shortly after enlisted in the military. He is a veteran of the Korean war. For his service he was awarded the Korean, United Nations, and National Defense Service medals, along with a Good Conduct medal. He served honorably in the United States Army, achieving the rank of SGT. Gilberto’s commitment to the service of his country played an important role in his life as he was a disciplined man focused on hard work to attain his goals. He married Irma Lerma on January 29, 1956 in Pharr, Texas and moved to the Coachella Valley in 1961 where he raised his family. Gilberto worked full-time for Southern California Edison and for added income he may have been the driver that left the Press Enterprise at your front door! He retired from Edison in 1990. If you asked him what he enjoyed most he’d probably say fishing and camping with family and friends, although he and Irma also loved dancing at the American Legion Hall as it was a family affair. He is survived by his three children: Blanca Montenegro, Gilbert Salinas Jr., and Linda Chormicle; grandchildren: Rebecca, Tony, Angela, Matthew, Sammy, Shannon, Jared, and Robbie; 14 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. He was greeted into heaven by his beloved wife and grandson Gilly. Grampa was loved and will be missed, remembered as a steady force in an unsteady world.
