Racine – Gilbert C. Delgado, 65, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2010 at Aurora St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee. He was born in Donna, Texas on September 1, 1945, the loving son of Gerardo and Paulita (nee: Cavazos) Delgado.

Gilbert retired in 1995 from Case New Holland after 30 years of service. He was involved with the United Auto Workers; the United Farm Workers; served as a board member of the George Bray Center; arranged Racine's first Mexican Independence parade; and served 12 years on the Racine Police and Fire Commission. He believed in the need for a good education, and in helping others. He founded Esperanza/Hope and was very active in promoting civil and human rights. Gilbert had a love for music, and promoted many aspiring local talents. He treated everyone equally and made friends with whomever he met.

Gilbert is survived by his beloved wife, Sonia (nee: Riojas) Delgado; his children, Joe Anthony "Tony" Delgado, Debbie (Rick Carranza) Leneair, Ruben (Vesna) Riojas all of Racine, Lenny (Jacey Castaneda) Delgado of Round lake, Illinois and Marlena (Ryan) Riojas-Nelson of Racine; grandchildren, FC2 Daniel Delgado USN, Kristina Delgado, Jessica (Tony) Zwaga, Casey Leneair, Ruben Riojas, Jr., Cassandra Riojas, David (Lilliana) Zindovic, Kristina Ahumada, Samantha Delgado, and Maya Delgado; great grandchildren, Zachery Zwaga and Colton Zindovic; his mother, Paulita Delgado of Donna, Texas; sisters, Yolanda Cantu, Velia (Jose) Ojeda, Lucy (Beto) Padilla, Lola Deleon, Maria Cortez, and Velma Medina; brother, Fernando "Jesse" Castillo; aunts, Victoria (Henry) Malacara, and Abelina (Jose) Vasquez; and uncle, Marcelino Hernandez; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Gerardo Delgado.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 31, 2010, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Donna, Texas.