Henry E. Hidalgo, 67, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. Born July 21, 1949, in San Jose, Henry was the eighth of ten children born to Rafael and Josepha Hidalgo. Early in his life he struggled to overcome the diagnosis and effects of Polio, which left him with life-long physical challenges.
Despite that, Henry persevered and moved with his family first to Delano and finally to Gilroy, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. Upon graduating from Gilroy High School, Henry enlisted in the U.S. Army, and spent the majority of his deployment in South Korea.
After, he returned to Gilroy, where he worked primarily at Gilroy Foods and with his brother, Herbert. Henry was renowned for beautifying countless homes throughout Gilroy and the South Bay, gracing them with his meticulous masonry and landscaping talents.
Henry is remembered by his friends and family for his gardening skills, as well as for his kind, gentle ways with animals and children, evidence of his adoring mother’s lasting influence. Henry is survived by his loving siblings: brother Ralph (Gwenn) Hidalgo of Campbell, sisters Ramona (Mike) Renteria of Delano, Gloria (Gil) Garcia, Mary (Bob) Angulo, and Rita (Max) Heredia, all of Gilroy; Sister-in-law Olive (Joe) Hidalgo of Bakersfield; and numerous adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Joe, Mike, and Herbert, as well as by his sister, Carmen.
His kind heart, generous ways, and impressive mustache will be missed by all who knew and loved him. A remembrance of Henry’s life will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 at Heavy’s Grill on the Green, 2690 Hecker Pass, Gilroy, at 3:00pm. A burial will be held at a later date, for immediate family and friends.
Henry E. Hidalgo
July 21, 1949 - March 28, 2017