Mr. Gabriel Mantilla, on Monday, September 9, 2024.  Born in Colombia, South America on October 23, 1934 and later transferred to the United States as a Resident Student.  He completed academic studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington DC, and obtained a Master's Degree at I.T.T. Technical Institute in New York. 

Mr. Mantilla joined the U.S. Air Force upon graduation and retired with Honors at McChord Air Force Base in Washington state. 

A long time resident in the DC Metropolitan area, Mr. Mantilla was past president of the Colombo-American Chambers of Commerce; an activist in the Spanish speaking community; and a philanthropist with Catholic Charities. 

In 2007, Mr. Mantilla retired and began residing in Leisure World in Silver Spring, MD with his wife of more than 65 years, Blanca (deceased 2020).  He is survived by his children - Gabriel M. Mantilla (and wife, Angelu Talayong), resident of Cerritos, CA; and Deborah M. Craven, resident of Urbana, MD; by two granddaughters - Stephanie M. Mantilla and Alyssa N. Mantilla; by two grandsons - Brennan M. Craven and Christopher W. Craven; and by former daughter-in-law Marietta Coca.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 15661 Norbeck Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20906 where the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, MD. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association (https://diabetes.org/) or the National Association of American Veterans (https://www.naavets.org/).