Educators in the Turlock Unified School District expressed shock and sadness on Friday following the death of longtime colleague Gabe Ontiveros.
The principal of eCademy Charter at Crane School, Ontiveros was reported missing by his wife just after midnight on Saturday, according to Dominique Sanchez, public affairs analyst for the Turlock Police Department. He was found dead just after 1 p.m. on Saturday, outside his GMC pickup on a remote stretch of Greeley Hill Road in Coulterville.
“It was reported to our office as a suspicious vehicle,” said Kristie Mitchell, public information officer for the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Department. “We don’t have a cause or manner of death at this time. We’re waiting for a toxicology report and other tests.”
According to Mitchell, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office contracts with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office to conduct its autopsies, and the results typically take three to six weeks to come back.
At Tuesday night’s TUSD board of trustees meeting, clerk Lori Carlson recognized Ontiveros’ passing.
“Undoubtedly, Gabe’s investment of his life as an educator and educational leader in Turlock touched the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues,” Carlson said. “He was a teacher, administrator, mentor, and coach who had an unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and families of TUSD. We are so grateful for the lasting impact Mr. Ontiveros made in TUSD, and on behalf of the board, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”
On Friday, more tributes poured in honoring the educator.
* “Mr. Ontiveros served the TUSD community with a passion for people and a genuine heart for all students. He believed strongly in public education and advocated strongly for the families of the schools he led. He was one of the first colleagues who connected with me and welcomed me when I joined the TUSD community nine years ago. He invested in people, listened to understand, and made people feel valued. He was a great school administrator, and an even better human being. He is missed.” — David Lattig, TUSD superintendent
* “Mr. Ontiveros always made me feel valued and that my input mattered. He demonstrated true leadership during very sensitive times on our campus, leading with grace and a genuine love for his work. Mr. Ontiveros will be deeply missed.” — Gloria Lujan, former THS campus supervisor
* “The years Gabe was the principal and I was the head baseball coach, we enjoyed talking baseball, especially about the softball and baseball teams that we each played on. He was a real baseball fan. He would use our batting cage. I would see his truck down there on the weekends, and even down there this summer sometimes. This is a real shock, and I’m really going to miss my good friend.” — Mark de la Motte, former THS baseball coach and social studies teacher
* “Gabe was a Bulldog at heart. He loved all things Turlock High School. Gabe had a heart for the underdog and always worked hard to make sure all students were given the tools to succeed. I respected his work ethic and will miss our conversations about music and baseball. — Jennifer Cullum, THS associated student body advisor and cheer coach
* “Gabe was a tremendous colleague for over two decades. I most admired his constant desire to make a difference for every student and to always lead with the bigger picture in mind. Professionally, Gabe’s team-mindedness and innate responsibility and discipline made him a strong educational leader. Personally, these same traits made him a remarkable human being and friend. — Dana Salles Trevethan, former TUSD superintendent
* “I will remember Gabe’s dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence in his position as dean of students at THS. He consistently demonstrated fairness, integrity, and respect toward all students. Gabe carried that same unwavering commitment to his role as principal of THS. I considered Gabe a friend as well as a colleague, and he will be greatly missed.” — Patti Soiseth, former THS campus supervisor
* “When I was asked to become the chief communications coordinator at the district office, there was only one person who came to mind to become the new principal at THS: Gabe. From his earliest days as dean of students to serving as my assistant principal to his tenure as principal, Gabe’s commitment to “Blue and Gold Territory” was second to none. In his closing remarks to his speeches, Gabe was fond of saying, “once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog,” as well as a saying introduced by our mentor, Dana Salles Trevethan, “Over and out, Bulldogs, have a great day.” I hope Gabe’s memory is a blessing to all who knew and loved him.” — Marie Russell, TUSD chief communications coordinator
* “Gabe really did want staff to always put their family and health first. Family was important to him.” — eCademy math teacher Raj Nagra
* “Gabe welcomed me to Turlock High when I joined the administrative team a few years ago. He guided me through my first year at the secondary level with patience and understanding. He had a wealth of knowledge about the various departments within a high school and was always willing to coach me through a learning experience or challenge. When I started as the principal at Pitman, he offered his support and always checked in with me when I ran into him around the district. Gabe loved Turlock High and he truly bled blue and gold. He had a strong connection to our students, families, and community. I will miss his presence dearly.” — Janine Arakelian, Pitman High School principal
Ontiveros was born Aug. 21, 1965, in Stanislaus County, and graduated from Patterson High School in 1983. He obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Stanislaus State. He was a teacher at Dutcher Middle School and Osborn Two-Way Immersion Academy, where he eventually became assistant principal. He served two stints as principal of eCademy. At Turlock High, he was dean of student discipline, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, and principal beginning in 2017.
In a 2023 Turlock Journal article, Ontiveros said reestablishing the school’s marching band and color guard after a 13-year hiatus, seeing the media arts program grow, helping the school’s Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps get off the ground, and the success of Bulldogs’ athletic teams were among his proudest accomplishments during his six-year run as principal there.
In 2018, Ontiveros was named Secondary Principal of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators.
He is survived by his wife, Eva, and his twin children Gio and Giana, his father, Gabriel Ontiveros Sr., and siblings Gloria, Marissa, and Javier Ontiveros.
No public service is planned at this time. Sympathy cards for the family may be delivered to the TUSD Family Resource Center at the district office's West Wing 5, at 1574 E. Canal Dr.
Donations also will be accepted for a THS or eCademy scholarship in his name.
