Obituary of Virgilio "Gil" Lopez Mortela

Born in La Union, Philippines on December 26, 1937, Virgilio ‘Gil’ Lopez Mortela was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a man full of life.

Gil met his wife in 1956 where he courted her with red roses until they married in 1961. Looking for better opportunities for his family, he moved his wife, Emma and their four daughters, Arlene, Rebecca, Carina and Cecilia to Hollister, California in 1979 and called it home since. He worked for Teledyne McCormick Self (now Danaher) for 37 years, retiring in 2016. He was a member of the Filipino Community Club where he was often found cooking for events and fundraisers. Gil enjoyed carpentry, fishing, tinkering around the house, and was known for his resourcefulness.

  
Gil graduated from Far Eastern University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1961. In his younger years, Gil was an amateur boxer, often missing classes for bouts. But once a family man, Gil was committed to providing for his family and centered his life on them. He taught his daughters how to navigate life and to be good people.  He will be greatly missed. 

Gil was known for his delicious cooking, karaoke, and love for a good drink. His thoughtfulness and generosity to his family, but more importantly to strangers, are qualities for which he will be most remembered. He was also a loyal friend. 

Gil passed away in Modesto, California on Wednesday, July 26, 2017. He was 79 years old. He is survived by his wife, four daughters, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Viewing for Gil will be at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral (870 San Benito Street, Hollister)on Thursday, August 3 from 5pm-8pm, and on Friday, August 4 from 2pm-8pm with the Rosary offered at 7pm. Mass will be held at Mission San Juan Bautista on Saturday, August 5 at 11am followed by burial services at Calvary Cemetery in Hollister, California (1100 Hillcrest Road, Hollister). A reception will follow at San Juan Oaks Golf Course in Hollister, California.