JUDGE GILBERTO URESTI Our hearts are broken as we sadly announce that our beloved father and grandfather, Judge Gilberto Uresti has gone to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday April 18, 2024, surrounded by his beloved children, who find peace in knowing that he is now reunited with their beloved mother his wife, lifelong love, and best friend, Olga. Beto, as he was affectionately called by friends and loved ones, was born in Kingsville, Texas on March 12, 1935, to his parents, Elijio and Maria Munoz Uresti. He graduated salutatorian of Benavides High School class of 1954, before going on to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he received his bachelor’s degree from the College of Pharmacy. He returned to Benavides, Texas to marry his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Olga Carrillo on August 7, 1959. In this union, they were blessed with four children, who were their pride and joy, Aaron Rene, Belinda Marie, Patricia Annette, and Gilbert Mario Uresti. He always taught his children to put God and family first, and instilled in them how important it was to get an education and be successful in life. He was the epitome of a role model as a husband, father, and grandfather, always leading by example. Upon graduating from pharmacy school, he began his career working with Joe DeLeon as co-owner at DeLeon’s Pharmacy in Benavides, Texas. He then became owner along with his wife Olga for approximately 40 years. He was very active in the Texas Pharmaceutical Association and attended, along with his family, all the conventions around the state of Texas. He had many cherished colleagues who were always a part of his life. As a hometown pharmacist dedicated to his profession, there were many nights he would be awakened by a family in need of medication for someone that was sick, and he would go to the pharmacy to get the medication needed. He was proud to have been a licensed pharmacist for over 65 years. On October 31, 1975, at the age of 40, he began his political career when District Judge Darrell Hester appointed Gilberto Uresti as Duval County Judge, where he proudly served three terms, October 31, 1975 – December 31, 1986, and January 1, 1991- December 31, 1994. During and following his appointment, Duval County saw the creation of Housing rehabilitation programs, new parks, nutritional services for the elderly, Youth Conservation Corps, domestic policies that included subdivision regulations, water issues, street and road repair, and improved working conditions and retirement for the county’s employees. Notably, he was very instrumental in bringing all the county’s civic centers and having the TDCJ Ernestine Glossbrenner Unit funded and located in Duval County. One of his greatest accomplishments was a presentation by the National Association of Counties acknowledging Duval County for its achievements as a community in the mid-1980’s, naming it the top county in the country. Judge Uresti was known for his great knowledge of Duval County politics, remembering dates, places, and many important events before and after his terms as County Judge. He was known as the walking encyclopedia of Duval County. In addition to his accomplishments as a County Judge, he also served as chairman of The Coastal Bend Council of Governments, a member of the Governors Regional Review Committee, chairman of The Community Action Council of South, Texas, and a member of the National Association of Counties board of Directors. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Benavides and San Diego, Texas for over 60 years and many other civic organizations. He founded the Fiestas titled, Féria en Benavides, Pan De Campo in San Diego and the Fiesta Del Rancho in Concepción, Texas. In all his myriad accomplishments, behind the great man was always a strong woman, in this case, Gilberto Uresti had his wife, Olga, who was his confidant and number one supporter from the very beginning. She brought energy, charisma, warmth, and charm to his campaigns and endeavors. In 1998, Gilberto and Olga opened their home health agency, Uresti Senior Assistance, for which he served as CEO. They had offices in Kingsville, Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Laredo, Texas. He was very proud of his company, known as USA Home Health, which was voted “Best of the Best” by the CC Caller Times several years running. He continued overseeing USA until his death. As a devout Catholic, he was an active member of Santa Rosa De Lima Catholic Church in Benavides, Texas and served as a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and was a member of the Mutualistas. Most of all he enjoyed working, attending all his kid’s school and work functions, his grandchildren’s sports, school activities, and was a favored presence at close and extended family get-togethers. Gilberto was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Olga Carrillo Uresti, his parents, Elijio and Maria Munoz Uresti, his parents-in law, Simeon and Antonia Carrillo, his brothers, Elijio Uresti Jr. and Jose Luis Uresti, an infant sister, Evangelina Uresti, and two sisters-in-law, Annie Carrillo Smith and Maria Teresa “Tere” Carrillo. Gilberto was a loving and devoted husband, caring father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be sadly missed but never forgotten by his family and friends. Gilberto is survived by his beloved children, who were his pride and joy, Aaron Rene (Amanda) Uresti, Belinda Marie (Nestor III) Garza, Patricia Annette (Andres) Pérez, Gilbert Mario Uresti, sister-in-law, Irma H. Uresti, and his cherished grandchildren, Kimberly Michelle Garza Cortez, Aaron (Alyssa) Uresti Jr., Mark Anthony (Marlenne) Uresti, Nestor (Katie) Garza IV, Krystal Leah (Dr. Roland) Perez, Tiffany Nicole Uresti, Andres Pérez Jr., Vanessa Annette Pérez, Derek Ryan Garza, Matthew Brian Uresti, Trevor Power, and fourteen great grandchildren, Lindsay Allison Garza, Nestor “Cinco” Garza V, Brooklyn Kate Garza, Khloe Marie Cortez, Brandon James Cortez, Isabella Rose Perez, Londyn York Perez, Emerson Gray Garza, Analeigh Ruth Uresti, Elena Lizette Uresti, Delilah Alyse Uresti, Malaki Breland, Sophia Illiana Uresti, Aayden Paul Uresti, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Garza Funeral Home in San Diego, Texas with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM that evening with Father George Thomas officiating. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Santa Rosa de Lima Catholic Church in Benavides, Texas with Father Pete Elizardo as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Benavides Cemetery in Benavides, Texas where Gilberto will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Olga. Anyone wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at www.garzafuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Garza Funeral Home, San Diego, Texas 361-279-3311.
