Harry R. Gilbert

DELMAR- Harry R. Gilbert, 73, of Delmar, formerly of New Jersey, died Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. He was born January 11, 1941 in Riverside, New Jersey, a son of the late Thomas Martin Gilbert, Sr. and Dorothy Constance “Connie” Gilbert. In his younger days, Harry worked as a groundskeeper at Iron Rock Golf Course in New Jersey. At the age of 18 he joined the Pennsauken Fire Department as a volunteer and served as chief for 10 years. In 1966 he wrote a column for the Community News for the fire department. His love for serving others led him to a career in fire service and he retired in 1992 after 25 years of service as a firefighter, 1st Class from Pennsauken Fire Department. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He was a life member of NJFMBA and the North America Hunting and Fishing Club. He attended First Baptist Church of Delmar. In his later days he continued his love of the outdoors by spending time in his yard, feeding and watching the birds and could often be found riding on his lawnmower and making sure his lawn was well manicured. He had a knack for making others smile and will be remembered for always greeting people with a smile and a pocket full of candy or a cookie jar full of cookies. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Helene Gilbert; a son, Ken Gilbert of Audobon, NJ; 3 daughters, Loretta Young (Greg) of Largo, Florida, Rebecca Gilbert of Camden, New Jersey and Jacqueline Martin (George) of Laurel; 11 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and brothers- and sisters-in-law. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Thomas M. Gilbert, Jr. and Edward J. Gilbert; and 2 sisters, Rose Strocen and Dottie Noeling. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, where family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:00. Pastor James Riddle will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery in Delmar. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 4171, Salisbury, MD 21803. Arrangements are being handled by Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Harry R. Gilbert

January 11, 1941 - May 1, 2014