Gilbert Eloy Parraz 1945 – 2021

Gilbert “Gabby” Eloy Parraz, 75, a lifetime resident of Moriarty passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on April 26. Gilbert was born in Vaughn, to the late Domitilia Baca on September 10, 1945. He was raised by his loving grandparents Rumaldo and Carmelita Parraz, alongside cousins Robert Parraz and Nancy Gutierrez. Shortly, after graduating from Moriarty High School, class of 1964, Gilbert enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy, a Vietnam War veteran. After his service, he returned home and later married the love of his life, Lorraine Gonzales of Moriarty. Together, they started a home for their five children: Gilbert Jr., Santana, Gabriella, Noah and Carmelita. Gilbert was an active member of our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. As a couple they served as mayordomos, leaders in Marriage Enrichment, Christian Living and Choir. He was also on the crew that built the new church. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. In retirement from the MVD, he focused on music along with carpentry, remodeling, and special crafts like building rocking chairs and jewelry boxes for his grandkids. Gilbert will be remembered as an honorable, kind and loving husband, father and grandfather; a true and loving brother, brother-in-law, uncle and cousin; and a genuine Christian friend. He will be dearly missed by all that he ever touched by his life and example. Of the home, Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lorraine, of 51 years; his three daughters, Santana and husband, Tebby Castillo, Gabriella and husband, Danny Apodaca, and Carmelita and husband, John Sampson; two sons, Gilbert Parraz, Jr. and wife, Sandra and Noah Parraz and wife, Elisha; 12 grandchildren, Kelly Castillo, Seth Castillo, Caleb Castillo, Brooklyn Castillo, Ana Apodaca, Alexis Apodaca, Danny Apodaca Jr., Nicholas Apodaca, Lucas Parraz, Eryn Parraz, Santana Parraz and Dylan Sampson; and three great-grandchildren, Matthew Chavez, Thea Chavez and Kaden Burgarello. Funeral services were held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Moriarty May 6 and 7. Burial will be at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Moriarty, with pallbearers Gilbert Parraz, Jr., Noah Parraz, Tebby Castillo, Seth Castillo, John Sampson and Tom Williams. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren.