This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Humberto was a pure soul—kind, generous, and easy-going. Loved by all who knew him, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was deeply cherished by his partner, Gayle—the love of his life—as well as by his family and many friends.
On April 16, 2025, our beautiful Bert—as his friends fondly called him—passed away at the age of 43. His loss is sudden and heartbreaking, and we are devastated.
Humberto was deeply devoted to Gayle, treasuring every moment they spent together. Whether they were enjoying quiet evenings at home, spending time on weekends with her mom Cathy, or setting off on one of their favourite weekend getaways, their bond was unmistakable and profound.
Family meant everything to Humberto. He was endlessly loving and devoted, always ready to support his sister Maria, his brother-in-law Emmanuel, and his parents, Maria and Joe. Their love for him was just as strong.
Humberto had a passion for helping others and bringing joy to those around him. He took pride in living in the countryside—growing garlic, tending to his garden, and always lending a hand to our neighbours. His impressive tool collection was always put to good use, and he was happiest when building or fixing something with his own hands.
He loved our many family gatherings, where laughter was abundant, and Mom’s cooking took centre stage. Humberto was a talented cook himself and known especially for his famous jalapeño poppers—a beloved party favourite that everyone looked forward to. He also deeply valued the friendships he developed with our neighbours over the years, some of whom played a crucial role in teaching him many skills.
Resourceful and endlessly curious, Humberto had a knack for figuring things out and learning new things. He could fix anything and was always eager to dive into a new challenge.
To know Humberto was to be blessed by his warmth, his gentleness, and his generous heart. He will be forever missed and remembered with deep love. He was a gentle blessing.
Humberto was predeceased by his brother Joe—his lifelong sidekick. He is survived by his beloved partner Gayle; his parents Maria and Joe; his sister and brother-in-law Maria and Emmanuel; Gayle’s mom, Cathy; his niece Christine; and his great-niece Aurora—whom he never got to meet but loved dearly, showering her with gifts. He is also remembered fondly by a wide circle of loving friends and neighbours.
A celebration of life will be held in honour of Bert on May 2, 2025 from 1-4pm at MacCoubrey Funeral Home 30 King Street East in Cobourg, Ontario.
Our family is grateful to everyone who has reached out with love and support during this difficult time. Please feel free to sign the tribute page or share your favourite memories of Humberto there.
For those who have asked about sending flowers: Humberto loved sharing meals with family and friends and was always mindful of how fortunate we are for this blessing in life. And so, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Fare Share Food Bank in Cobourg, in his honour.
More than anything, we ask that you take a moment to tell the people you love how much they mean to you—and hold them close.
I feel fortunate that I was able to spend a little time with Humberto. During my visit to Grafton back in September Emmanuel and Maria cooked me a wonderful birthday dinner and Humberto and his love Gayle also joined us. While Humberto was soft spoken anyone meeting would feel the goodness and kindness radiating from him. I was pleased I was able to get a wonderful laugh out of both Humberto and Gayle during our dinner. He was a special soul and our world is sadder with his passing.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
Maria, Emmanuel and Family, Please accept our most sincere and deepest condolences. Over the last 2 decades our family has had the privilege to get to know the sweet and gentle man that was Humberto. His shy and thoughtful nature was always a breath of fresh air. In addition to being a helpful, handy and warm man, he was also so amazing when interacting with our boys. Brian and I can only imagine the huge void that his passing has caused. Lean on your community. We love, value and cherish our friendship and we are here for you. Lots of love during this difficult time. Brian and Jordy
What else could you ask for in the way of a neighbour - talent, tools, curiosity, strength, gentle smile, initiative, an air of calm? Bert was a gem. We are certainly missing him. Thanks to Maria, Emmanuel, and Gayle for sharing him. Naomi and Doug Higgins
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
Dear Maria and Emmanuel our deepest sympathies to you, to Joe and Maria and to Gayle. Bert was very dear to us and we considered him a member of the family. We are greatly saddened by his passing. It's hard to imagine a world without Bert.
Dear Maria and Emmanuel, our deepest condolences to you, Gayle and the family for the loss of our wonderful Humberto. He will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, during this difficult time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
Bert has been my my go to guy for over the last many years with always a smile and willingness to help and quietly explaining a better way to do something and his poppers were the best.Love and miss him and left us to young. Sincerely Val
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
What a beautiful tribute to a deserving man. Bert was such a gift to all of us. His quiet can-do attitude and ready smile brightened every day I saw him. He was a tremendous help in my life and I will always be grateful for the blessing of having known this very special person. ❤️
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
So saddened to hear of Bert’s passing. I enjoyed working with him in the garden and was always impressed by his ability, his physical strength, his gentle humour and his kindness. He seemed to truly enjoy life and his quiet dignity and presence will remain an example to us all.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
Maira and Emmanuel, my condolences to you and your family. Humberto touched so many lives with his gentle spirit. I hope you find comfort in knowing he was loved by so many.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
Dear Maria and Emmanuel, Sending our love and deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your beloved Humberto. May we all be inspired by his legacy of love and light. xo
My condolences to you and your family Humberto was always there for his family when they needed helping hand and he was always there. He will be missed ❤️🙏🙏🙏
Going to miss you uncle, your with dad now 😞😭 see you again one day. Love you R.I.P ill never forget you ❤️🙏🏼🕊️
Please accept our deepest condoleances Thinking of you in these difficult times Bert was Incredible kind gentle person with that special smile that made your day He will be greatly missed
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
We are so unbelievably sorry to hear of the passing of Humberto. He was so kind every time he was in the clinic and we will miss our visits with him. Sending love and prayers to Maria and the entire family. Jenna & Tina Connect Hearing
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Fare Share Food Bank
Maria & Emmanuel, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of Humberto. May your cherished memories of happy family times help ease your pain.