Gilbert Mercado

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gilbert Mercado, on the morning of December 29, 2024 at the young age of 56. Born in Brawley, CA on December 17, 1968, to Ruby Ramos, Gilbert was the oldest of 6 (Martin, Michael, Tino, Ruben, Rudy), with the goal of setting the best example for his younger brothers in mind, and putting family over everything. His outgoing, carefree mentality was attracted by many, who knew the kind, loving soul that he truly was.

Gilbert attended Brawley High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and wife of 36 yrs Nellie Mercado. Gilbert and Nellie married on June 25, 1988 in Brawley, but made the move to Oxnard to pursue a better life and start a family. After many years, they were blessed with two amazing boys, Anthony and Joshua Mercado.

 Upon making the move to Oxnard, Gilbert always had a love for the automotive industry, doing everything he could to provide for his family and pursuing his passion for cars. His customer centric personality caught everyone's attention in every role he took on, from a parts delivery driver to a wholesale specialist. Ultimately, he worked his way into a management role in the Parts Department.

 Gilbert was an avid sports fan, mainly the Dodgers, Lakers, and Raiders. Everyone in his neighborhood understood his passion, as he started as a 3rd and 4th grade basketball coach and took every chance he could to engage, playing basketball and baseball with all of the neighborhood kids, nieces, nephews as well as anyone in the Rio Lindo community. He also incorporated his love for sports into his children's lives, and even so, put his best foot forward to be a dad first, coach second. He attended every practice, game, and meeting for both boys, understanding that his family would always be his world. At the end of the day, he will get his wish of playing Kobe Bryant 1-on-1.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Nellie Mercado, sons Anthony and Joshua Mercado, Mother, Brothers, In-Laws, Nieces, Nephews, Uncles, Aunts and many Cousins.

 May he rest in peace. He will forever be missed but never forgotten.