George E. Gilbert
Born on June 12, 1937 in Syracuse, New YorkDeparted on December 12, 2021 in Melbourne, Florida
George E. Gilbert, 84, died unexpectedly December 12, 2021 at Holmes Regional Medical Center. He was born June 12, 1937 in Syracuse, New York, the son of Edgar and Doris (Rice) Gilbert.
George graduated from Onondaga Valley Academy, Class of 1956. Following graduation, he began his military service with the US National Guard and then served as an Electricians Mate with the US Navy on the U.S.S. Rankin, traveling through the Mediterranean as well the Caribbean. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, he returned to New York where he married Catherine “Skip” Dockstader. They celebrated 42 years of marriage until she passed in 2008.
George worked at General Electric and General Dynamics in New York State until relocating with Skip to Florida in 1966. He was a Senior Designer Draftsman at Harris Corporation for 32 years until his retirement in 1998.
George enjoyed fishing in the St. John’s River during the 70s and 80s. He made lots of memories at Camp Holly listening to music and drinking beer with friends. George was a proficient craftsman, building many things in his years to include a full two car garage as well as numerous projects on the homestead. George was an avid railroad train buff and in retirement built a full layout in what Skip once called her laundry area.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, “Skip”, brother Don Gilbert and son-in-law, Scott Adkins. Surviving are his children; son Mark Gilbert and wife Suzan, son George “Ed” Gilbert and wife Susan and daughter Susan Gilbert-Adkins; and his grandchildren Zachary Gilbert and Elizabeth Gilbert.
A service of remembrance will be held at John Rhodes Park in West Melbourne, Florida with US Navy military honors in January 2022.