Obituary of Jack P Gilbert

Jack Pittard Gilbert, age 88, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at home in Punta Gorda, Florida. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary Humphrey Gilbert of 10 years. They joyously melded their families, researched genealogy and enjoyed their grandchildren. Surviving children are Gary (Margaret) of Fairfax, VT, and Carol (Eugene Laskowski) of Bristol, WI by June Cole Gilbert (d). Our extended family now counts Hal (Caroline), Richard Crownover, and Catherine Crownover Elvy. He proudly looked forward to the future of his 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren and linking us with over a thousand ancestors to Giles Gilbert (1535-1597), Bridgewater, Sumerset, England. Born November 8, 1925 to Joseph Warren and Bettie Pittard Gilbert, he grew up in Grifton, NC with his brothers William Parker Gilbert (d) and Samuel Joseph Gilbert of Absecon, NJ. He is a WWII veteran in the Navy service as Pharmacist's Mate Armed Services Hospital Staten Island, NY and First Marine Division in Guam. His was an analytical chemist working in the pharmaceutical industry and had a BS from Wagner College on SI, NY. He served professionally as Chair of the Staten Island and the New York State sections of the American Chemical Society and was a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemists. He retired from Merck Research Laboratory, Rahway, NJ as senior research group leader. Jack's community service was notable. He was Master of Tompkins Lodge F&AM (471), Commander of the Staten Island Masonic War Veterans and a regional board member of the Salvation Army. He was an Elder and Deacon of the Dutch Reformed Church of America, and Scout Master. In Florida he assisted with the adult education and studied American Sign Language. Jack was the family photographer and the neighborhood friend who willing helped so many. He will be missed and remembered. In Lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to Tidewell Hospice Philanthropy Department. Family will receive friends and neighbors on Monday, February 10, 2014 from 1-3 PM with Masonic Rites at 2:30 PM at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, 9400 Indian Springs Cemetery Rd, Punta Gorda, FL. Final Rest and Military Honors will be conducted at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, FL on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 2:30 PM Arrangements by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory and Cemetery.