Gilbert R. Tabet

1935-2015 Gilbert Ruben Tabet, age 79, a resident of Belen, NM passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2015. He was a member of Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, The Lion’s Club, Belen Chamber of Commerce, and Belen Knights of Columbus. His hobbies included playing the trumpet, landscaping, and being a lifeguard at the Belen pool where he enjoyed swimming in his younger years. He proudly served in the Air National Guard, attended Highlands University, and worked at Sandia Labs. In December, 1958, Gilbert founded the Circle T Drive-in. In the early 70’s to mid 80’s he owned and operated the Onate Theater. He also developed Sunrise Bluffs on the west mesa. Gilbert was always a proud supporter of Belen High School athletics, the Belen Art League, Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church, the Harvey House, Theresa Tabet Park and nativity scene. Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents Carlos and Theresa Lovato Tabet; brothers, Chico and Boni Tabet; sister, Elvia Tabet; and nephew Russell Sanchez. He is survived by his loving children who he was very proud of; son, Phillip Tabet and wife Yolanda; daughters, Renee Tabet, Liz Follon and husband Eric; and son, James Tabet. Gilbert is also survived by his brother, Ron Tabet; granddaughters, Lisa Chavez and husband John, Haley Halverson, and Alexis Tabet; Grandsons, Andrew Tabet, Cameron and Bryce Halverson, Tyler and Ethan Follon; Great grandchildren, Lydia and Judah Chavez. He enjoyed attending dances at the Belen senior citizens center, and loved his early morning coffee with friends. There will be a visitation on Sunday, July 26th at 1:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 2:00 p.m. by Dolores Garcia at Romero Funeral Home. A final visitation will be held on Monday July 27th at 9:00 a.m. with a Funeral Mass to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Belen Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Andrew Tabet, Cameron Halverson, Tyler Follon, Bryce Halverson, Dominic Sanchez, and Jason Tabet. Gilbert’s family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Good Life Senior Living for the wonderful care they gave him. Please sign Gilbert’s online tribute at www.romerofuneralhomenm.com Romero Funeral Home, 609 N. Main Street, Belen, NM.

Gilbert R. Tabet

October 26, 1935 - July 23, 2015