Chacon, Gilbert M.

Jesuit Father Gilbert M. Chacon died on September 6, 2012, at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno, Calif., from respiratory failure.  He was 73 years old.

Born in Fresno on January 19, 1939, Fr. Chacon 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 Society of Jesus at Sacred Heart Novitiate in Los Gatos, Calif., on September 7, 1963. 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 pronounced final vows on April 22, 1991, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hollywood, Calif.

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.