Gilbert R. Rodriguez

Gilbert R. Rodriguez “Givy”, age 90, beloved husband of Josephine “Vicky” (Gutierrez) Rodriguez, died peacefully in Indio on October 20, 2024 surrounded by his family. Gilbert was born in Coachella on April 28, 1934. 

Gilbert graduated from Coachella Valley High School in 1952, where he was a star athlete. He proudly served in the U.S. Army. Gilbert married Josephine in 1959 and lived in Indio where they raised five children. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this past April.

Gilbert owned a successful landscaping business and worked on many notable properties. He worked alongside noted landscape architect David Hamilton, and Modern architects Donald Wexler’s and William Cody’s projects as well as their homes. He was a great storyteller and loved to share memories of his childhood experiences, running track in high school and his adventures in the Army while stationed in Hawaii. He loved animals of all kinds, movies and television shows made before 1980, 1950s rock n’ roll music and spending time with his loving family. Being a lifelong resident, Gilbert had an incredible memory and knowledge about the people and places of the Coachella Valley. We’ll miss his stories and opinions about the world. 

He is survived by his wife, Josephine; Children: Veronica (Jack) Robbins of Bermuda Dunes; Ernest of Scottsdale, AZ; Diana (Frank) Doyle of Providence, RI; Gilbert (Michelle) of Bermuda Dunes and Adrienne (Kristine Vejar) Rodriguez of Oakland, CA; Grandchildren: Lauren, Jenna, Sara, Seth, Brianna and Frankie; Great Grandchildren: Annie, Hazel and Willow.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents Jose and Ignacia, brothers Charlie and Ralph and is survived by his brother Eliseo and his sisters Irene, Alice, Amelia and Tina.

The wake will be held Monday, November 18 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn funeral home, 51990 Jackson Street, Coachella, with a rosary at 6:00 pm. Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Indio followed by the interment at the Coachella Valley Public Cemetery.