Gilberto Ricardo Maúrtua Sr.

Gilberto Ricardo Maúrtua Sr. passed away quietly in his home on the morning of May 1, 2026, at 7:38 am, surrounded by family.   Gilberto was born on August 10, 1930, in Salaverry, Peru.  He was the son of Ricardo Maúrtua and Consuelo Seminario.  He is survived by his wife, Nelly, and three children – Cesar Maúrtua, Maria “Tonie” Maúrtua-Russo, and Gilberto Ricardo “Richie” Maúrtua Jr.  His grandchildren are Terryl Smith, Nicole Smith-Casper, Michael Smith, Alexis Maúrtua, Genevieve Maúrtua, and Natalie Maúrtua-Severjin.

Gilberto immigrated to Sacramento, California, in 1963, where he worked as a handyman in Squaw Valley, a busboy at Mansion Inn, a server at the elegant Firehouse Restaurant, and started Nelly’s Draperies with his wife in the early 1970’s. 

He loved gardening, watching his favorite TV shows on Univision and Telemundo, making Pisco Sours at family gatherings, watching sports – especially boxing, and loved being with the family.  He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.   He was a social man and loved conversing and telling funny life stories.  He was the life of our family gatherings. 

A private Vigil and Rosary will be held on Monday, May 11, at 5 pm at the Calvary Funeral Center, 7100 Verner Ave., Citrus Heights.

The private viewing will be held on Tuesday, May 12^th at 10 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 am, followed by a reception in the reception hall at 12:30 pm at Calvary Funeral Center, 7100 Verner Ave., Citrus Heights.

Our family deeply loved Gilberto, and he will be missed by his family very much.    Bye Bye Papi – we LOVE you.