Gilberto I. Varela, 83, of Long Branch, passed away peacefully at Monmouth Care Center in Long Branch on Saturday, January 7, 2017.

He was born in Guayos, Cuba on December 28, 1933. He immigrated to the United States when Castro took over power of Cuba. He was a hardworking man that especially loved mechanical work. He lived most of his life in Miami, Florida doing plumbing and aircraft mechanics.
He moved to Long Branch in 2001 and enjoyed the ocean and making new friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jose and Angelica Varela; brother, Jose and sister, Maria.

Surviving are his daughter, Lilliam and husband, Peter Portu and grandson, Nicholas; son, Gilbert and wife, Vivian and grandchildren, Christian and Victoria Varela and his loving partner of 25 years, Judith Ann Ball.

Funeral services and burial will be private by Fiore Funeral Home, West Long Branch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.