Gilbert Ardilla

On October 16th of 1952 this incredible man was born to Tony and Lydia Ardilla at Mercy Hospital in San Diego. On September 4th of 2019 Gilbert Ardilla Sr received his reward and returned to his heavenly father. He is survived by his Father Tony Ardilla; Siblings Sandra Moreno and Husband Richard, Steven Ardilla and Wife Dorie, Antoinette Ardilla and Fiancé Carlos Zuniga, Wife of 47 years Rita Ardilla, Son Gilbert Ardilla Jr, Daughter in Law Jannese Ardilla, grand children Amaya, Anthony, Benjamin, Great Aunt Anita Ruiz, Aunts and Uncles Richard and Julie Agundez, Robert and Virginia Agundez, Oscar and Frances Salazar and several cousins, nieces, nephews, all will miss Gilbert. For kinder through 6th grade he attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School. For middle school he attended O’Farrell. Graduated from Morse High School class of 1970. He then attended Berean Bible College and Southern California Bible College and Seminary. Received an Associates in Theology in 1993. The following year he taught classes at Berean Bible College in Poway from 1994 to 2000. Among the classes he taught were; Marriage and Family, Theology, The Pauline Epistles, and Pastoral Duties. Gilbert was ordained November of 1995 through the New Covenant Worship Center. In January of 1996 he started New Life Worship and Training Center. It was in existence until 2012. As part of the church he also started an annual thanksgiving dinner at the Holiday Inn in National City. It was open to anyone in need every Thanksgiving from 1998 to 2010. Gilbert started playing guitar at the age of 3. Throughout his life he also played the trumpet, keyboard, drums, and vocals. He started several bands, including; Elijah, Smith and Son’s, Mellow Brown, Heart and Soul, Agape Praise Band, and City Lights. Gilbert was offered several different gigs throughout California. One was to play with the Crusaders, but he turned it down because he was an expectant father and wanted to be with his family. Worked as cement mason starting in 1970. He worked for 40 years before retiring. Was taught by Oscar Torres; who was also Gilbert’s mentor in life.

Gilbert Ardilla

October 16, 1952 - September 4, 2019