Gary W. Gilbert, 70, of Hollis, NH and formerly of Nashua, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, January 27, 2015 at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack with his loving family by his side, after a courageous three year battle with cancer.
Born in Rochester, NH on August 8, 1944, Gary was a son of the late Walter W. and Ellen M. (Johnson) Gilbert. After moving to Nashua in the mid 1950s, Gary attended local schools and graduated from Nashua High School Class of 1962 where he lettered in baseball and football. He furthered his education at Princeton University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1966 and also lettered in both baseball and football. An Army veteran, Mr. Gilbert served in Germany as a Lieutenant from 1967 to 1970.
Gary worked with his father Walter and his brother Bruce at the New England Division of Penn Box for many years until his retirement.
An active sportsman, Gary enjoyed curling and golfing. He served as coach of his daughter Susan’s softball team and coached his son Mark’s Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams. Gary was inducted into the Nashua High School Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mr. Gilbert was a member of the Nashua Rotary Club and served on its Board of Directors; served on the Board of Directors of the Girls Club and the Nashua Chapter of the American Red Cross; and was a member of the Nashua Country Club and served on the Board of Directors. Gary loved spending time with his family and friends and also enjoyed gardening at his home.
Members of his family include his wife of 47 years, Lois M. (Grassle) Gilbert whom he married on July 30, 1967; a son and daughter-in-law, Mark W. and Colleen Q. Gilbert of Brussels, Belgium; a daughter and son-in-law, Susan E. and Daniel M. Sullivan of Bermuda; six grandchildren, Caroline, Ryan and Andrew Gilbert of Belgium and Owen, Brady and Tate Sullivan of Bermuda; a sister and brother-in-law, Ellen M. and William Shurtleff of Overland Park, KS; a brother and sister-in-law, Bruce C. and Jane Gilbert of Rye, NH; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Saturday afternoon, January 31st from 2 to 4 p.m. His memorial service will follow in the funeral home at 4 o’clock. The Rev. James S. Chaloner, Senior Minister of The First Church, U.C.C. will officiate. Friends are invited to attend. Donations may be made in his memory to the Community Hospice House, Attn. Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE. (603) 882-0591.
