PERU, Gilbert C.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Friday, January 13, 2012 Gilbert C. Peru - Passed away peacefully at his home in Casa Grande on January 7, 2012 surrounded by his family. The son of Laura and Valente Peru, Gilbert was born on December 4, 1932 in Morenci, Arizona where he grew up and met his wife, Jenny. During their 57 years of marriage, Gilbert and Jenny raised their family; Gilbert Jr (Peaches) of Casa Grande, Steve (Beth) of Flagstaff and Cindy (Mike) of Marana. Gilbert loved and adored his grandchildren: Jimmy, Christina, Sean, Justin, Matthew and Analisa, along with great granddaughters, Aviana, Marley and Aurelia. Gilbert retired in Sept of 1995 from Phelps Dodge Corporation where he began in 1952 as a track laborer and rose through the ranks to retire as Locomotive Shop Foreman. Gilbert was a skilled craftsman, having built the family home, as well being an artist designing and creating turquoise jewelry for many years. Gilbert also loved camping in the White Mountains/West Fork area with extended family where days were filled with fishing, storytelling and much laughter. In addition to being a lifelong member of the Holy Cross Catholic Parish in Morenci, Gilbert was a veteran, having served our country in the Army during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley and to United Way of Northern Arizona. This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department at (928) 556-2279.