Roland G. "Gil" Guilbault

Roland G. "Gil" Guilbault, 77, died April 6, 2012, at his home in Indian River Shores. He was born in Providence, R.I., and moved to Vero Beach 12 years ago from Washington, D.C. After graduating from the University of Montreal, he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., and was commissioned an ensign in May 1959. For the next 34 years, he served in the Navy, retiring as a rear admiral in 1994. He commanded a battle force from the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower CVN-69; commanded Cruiser-Destroyer Group 12 out of Mayport; commanding officer of the first Aegis cruiser, USS Ticonderoga CG-47; commanded the USS Tattnall DDG-19; and was on the commissioning crew of the nuclear-powered destroyer USS Bainbridge DLGN-25, which saw action off Vietnam. He obtained a master's degree in computer systems from George Washington University, graduated from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and attended the Naval Post Graduate School. His last tour of duty was served in the Pentagon as deputy director of Space and Electronic Warfare, overseeing the changing information warfare needs and operational requirements. He volunteered his experience to the Treasure Coast Council of the Navy League, where he served as president for three years; Gifford Youth Activity Center board of directors and the Homeless Family Center of Indian River County. He was one of the founding members of the Indian River County Democratic Executive Council. He also was a member of the Armed Forces Communication and Electronic Association, and the Military Officers Association of America. He was a member of the Vero Beach Yacht Club. Survivors include his wife, Huguette; sons, Marc and Paul; daughter, Michelle; stepsons, Lance Thomson and Kim Davis; brother, Raymond; and 12 grandchildren. Services: A memorial gathering will be at 11 a.m. April 11 at Strunk Funeral Home, 916 17th St., Vero Beach. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. A guestbook is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com.