Gerald Norte was a loving husband, father, grandparent, brother, uncle, and friend. He passed away peacefully at the San Gorgonio Pass Hospital on August 11, 2021.
He was born a twin to Daniel Norte and Mary Helen Pete on October 8, 1942 at the Soboba Hospital. His twin sister was named Geraldine. He was a member of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. He was Cahuilla and Paiute. He grew up in the Banning Pass area. Gerald married the love of his life, Linda Lopez, in 1966. They were happily married for 55 years. Together, they had four sons, Christopher, Jeffery, Issac, and Vincent.
During their early years, Gerald moved his family to Bellflower, CA. He was a very talented artist and studied art at Cerritos City College. He also leaned welding at California State University, Long Beach. Gerald served his country in the United States Army Reserve. Gerald started working for General Motors in 1968. He retired in 2001 after 30 years of service.
Gerald loved baseball and was an avid ball player. He was a catcher and a pitcher, and his number was #18. He played for the Chief's, 100 Proof, and Renegades fastpitch teams. He also played baseball for the Morongo Baseball team. Gerald often volunteered his time to help catch his boys in little league. His boys can recall some of their best memories with their dad being at the ballpark. He moved his family back to the Banning area in 1985. Gerald's nickname was "Paiute." He loved his children and he loved his grandchildren even more. He will be missed dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Norte; sons, Christopher A. Norte, Isaac S. Norte, and Vincent M. Norte; brother, Jake Norte; caregiver and friend for the last 16 years, Alvin Strange; twenty-one grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; and Lola Norte, his dog and cruising partner.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Norte and Mary Helen Pete; brothers, Harold and Robert; sisters, AnaMae, Geraldine, and Melba; and son, Jeffery Nathan Norte.
A traditional all-night wake will be held at 5:00 pm on Monday, August 23, 2021 at Morongo Tribal Hall, 11555 Potrero Road, Banning, CA. A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, 11200 Mission Road, Banning, CA.
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