Gilbert “Cano” Cortez was born on September 7, 1935 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. After his battle with cancer, he passed away at the age of 87, on December 16, 2022 at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson, California. Cano moved into the states at the age of 17. He met the love of his life, Lucy Ruperto, at a Puerto Rican dance in May of 1956 and they married less than a year later in February of 1957. Cano and his wife raised two beautiful children, Margaret Marie Cortez (Stowe) and John Gilbert Cortez. They bought their only home in 1970, in Hayward, California. Cano had many occupations in his lifetime. As a boy he shined shoes. As a young man, he travelled the world as a merchant marine. Later, he made his way as a truck driver and he even opened his own pet store with his wife, called Lucy’s Pet Store. The final years of his life, he ran a lawn mower service out of his garage because he really enjoyed tinkering with lawn service equipment. When Cano was a younger man, he enjoyed bowling, drinking, and going to Puerto Rican dances. Gambling was an interest of Cano’s, including dice, dominos, poker, and other card games. He loved to vacation in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. He was an avid fan of wrestling and baseball. He had great adoration for watching the Oakland A’s on television and listening to them on the radio. He loved his friends and family, and they loved him. Cano is survived by his grandchildren Michael Stowe Jr and David Stowe, and his great grandchildren Tyler Stowe, Sierra Stowe, Matthew Stowe, and Thomas Stowe. All of the surviving names live in the Modesto/Salida area. Cano was preceded by his parents Victor Cortez and Felicitas Rios. His brothers Manuel Cortez, Louie Cortez, Victor Cortez, and sister Carmen. His wife Lucy Cortez and their children Margaret Stowe and John “Gil” Cortez. The family would like to thank Community Hospice out of Hughson, California for their excellent care and service.
