Gabriel E. Elefante
March 24, 1950 - June 10, 2025
With heavy hearts, we share the news that our beloved, Gabriel E. Elefante, left us on June 10, 2025 surrounded by love and family.
Gabriel Ellazar Elefante was born in Langayan, Santiago, Ilocos Sur, Philippines on March 24, 1950 to Francisco Miranda Elefante and Julia Ellazar Elefante. While growing up in Langayan, he found a deep love and appreciation for farming and gardening, alongside his dad Francisco. He graduated from high school, Santiago Institute, in 1966, and went on to earn his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Civil Engineering from University of Baguio in 1972. He came to the United States in August 1975, and in November that same year, he joined the United States Navy and served 4 years actively, and 2 years in the Navy Reserves. He met Emma Calip in high school in 1965 and reunited with her in Baguio where they were both attending college. They reunited once again in 1976 in the states, and married in December 1979. He dedicated 38 years of service as a design engineer for the California Department of Transportation, District 10 in Stockton, CA. His kindness, wisdom, and work ethic left a lasting impact on his colleagues. When he retired, he enjoyed traveling, dancing, spending time with family, gardening, and farming, especially on his dream 10 acre vineyard and residence that he intricately designed.
He is survived by his wife, Emma Calip Elefante, daughters Geemaryl Elefante and Gabrielle Elefante Gary and son in law Barnell Gary. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren Mailyn Ariel Claude, Alain Claude, Mateo Nolan Villamonte, Maliko Jordan Villamonte, and Barnell Elias Elefante Gary Jr. His surviving siblings, Nellie Cala Calip (Bill Calip), Benjamin Elefante (Michelle Go), Ricardo Elefante (Mercedes Monroy), Delia Elefante (Rhowena Pena), and Blas Elefante (Marilou Angeles). Lastly, he is also survived by his beloved aunt Margarita Miranda Elefante. He will also be missed by cousins Janice Pasion, Nemie Eugenio, Fred Eugenio, and Nellie Eugenio. Even though they are cousins, they looked up to him as a big brother.
He was known for making his delicious arroz caldo for family events, and always putting others before himself. He imparted wisdom and impartial advice to all who turned to him. He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, cousin, uncle, and friend.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 2:00pm - 8:00pm on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 in the Zinfandel Room in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 3:00pm - 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
MASS
Mass will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 at St. Joachim’s Catholic Church, located at 13392 E Lockeford Ranch Rd, Lockeford, CA 95237.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Elefante family.