Fr. Gilbert Michael Chacon, S.J., ’63, age 73, passed away to receive his heavenly reward on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at St. Agnes Medical Center, Fresno.

Fr. Gilbert was born in Fresno,  Calif., one of 12 children born to Antonio and Evangeline Chacon, immigrants from Mexico. Fr. Gilbert was raised in Dos Palos, graduating from Dos Palos High School where he was Valedictorian of the Class of 1957. He later attended Ryan Preparatory College in Fresno, before entering Santa Clara University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in 1963. While at the University he felt the call to priestly life and entered the Congregation of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) with first vows in 1965. He later earned his Philosophy and Theology degrees from Collegium Maximum Christi Regis, in Mexico City. He was ordained a priest on June 15, 1973 in Los Angeles by Bishop Juan Arzube. He made his final vows as Jesuit in 1991.

During his priestly ministry Fr. Chacon was a teacher and served in parishes throughout California, Texas, Arizona and Mexico. In recent years he served in the Diocese of Fresno at various parishes. He was currently residing at the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Fresno.

Fr. Gilbert is survived by his siblings; Raymond Ambriz of Quincy, Washington, Fr. Frank Chacon of Winslow Az, Tony Chacon of Los Angeles, Joe Chacon of Los Angeles, Olivia Marquez of Los Banos, Gertrude Thomas of Los Angeles, Thereza Sotelo of Hanford, Josephine Davison of Los Angeles, Ramona Chacon and Juanita Chacon both of Hayward, Calif. Also surviving Fr. Gilbert are numerous nieces and nephews including Fr. Angel Sotelo of Chowchilla and his brother Jesuit Priests.