Gilbert Raymond Pantoja

Gilbert Raymond Pantoja, 72, exited this troubled world on November 19, 2024, after being attentively cared for by the personnel of Northwest Heath-Porter, Valparaiso, Indiana. 

Gilbert graduated from Manual Arts High School, Los Angeles, California, recognized as having the "Most Brains". He received his degree of Bachelor Arts in Ethnic Studies and Political Science from the University of Southern California. Gilbert additionally earned his Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Notre Dame.

Gilbert had held positions at several educational facilities including Notre Dame University, Indiana University South Bend and Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana. While at Riley he taught students with special needs and later social studies until he retired.

Gilbert was fluent in Spanish in several dialects and understood many other spoken languages. Gilbert was a logophile (lover of words). He was passionate about travel, most notably to Western European countries. Gilbert was a voracious reader of many categories of books. He enjoyed listening to different genres of music from several eras. He was able to cite the original writer, subsequent artist (s), and history of most of them. He followed news of both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Notre Dame women's basketball. He never stopped educating himself about innumerable topics.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Pantoja. 

Gilbert is survived by his devoted companion Penny Huth; sons Zachary Roberts and Stephen Pantoja; grandchildren Zander and Zara Roberts; Penny's daughter, Grace Cifaldi, her husband, Jeffrey and their children Isaiah and Elisabeth; and special loved ones Bryan Talley, Katie Brasseur and their children.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN. A life celebration will be held at in the spring of 2025. Cremation has taken place.

Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.