Gilbert Medina Sr.

Gilbert Medina Sr. of Santa Ana passed away on Friday April 8, 2022, at the age of 87. Gilbert died peacefully surrounded by his loving family children and grandchildren.

Born and raised in Santa Ana he came from humble beginnings.  At the age of nine he started working for the Orange County Register, as a paper boy. Bringing home just one dollar per day he helped his family out of starvation and later as an entrepreneur he helped them out of poverty. As a young paper boy walking his paper route, he happened upon a city planner who named two streets after him, Gilbert Street and Medina Drive.

Gilbert started an upholstery business, Gilbert’s Upholstery, in his early twenties and was in business in South Santa Ana for over 65 years. He was well respected by the community and described by many as being one of the most honest business men you will ever meet. Servicing movie stars like Betty Davis and even supplying fabric for Airforce One back in the Nixon Era. He has serviced many local politicians, the military, UCI, Caltrans, and so many more. He always treated everyone he met with the greatest respect.

Gilbert was a father of four but a father figure to many. He loved his beautiful wife Esperanza who preceded him in death. He loved his family and his grandchildren deeply and completely. Described by his grandchildren as the best grandpa that ever lived.

This is a great loss for the family. He is survived by his son, two daughters, ten grandchildren, and two great-grand daughters. 

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