Richard Paul Gilbert

URBANA – Richard Paul Gilbert, age 87, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 202 at Vancrest of Urbana. He was born on July 19, 1936 in Mansfield, Ohio, to Wiliam and Eleanor (Greifenstine) Gilbert and was raised by his mother and step-father Burton Turner.

Richard was a 1954 graduate of Mansfield Senior High and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1966. Dick was extremely hardworking and was a meat cutter for a very long time. He first worked for A&P, then T&A, and finally Kroger in Mansfield as well as many locations around Ohio. As a devoted father, Dick cherished his role as a provider for his two children. Being a dad and a grandpa were his favorite jobs. He made an effort to be at all the sports games for his children and grandchildren and coached many of his son's teams in younger years.

Dick will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and as a tough, strong, protector over those around him. He also enjoyed gardening and creating a beautiful over-the-top backyard. He also won second place a number of times in the Mansfield Christmas Lighting Contest. He liked collecting coins and taking his grandkids fishing. Dick was a passionate supporter of the Indians, the Browns, and OSU football.

Dick is survived by his son, Brett Gilbert of Urbana, Ohio, and daughter, Doreen (Tod) Petit of Mansfield, Ohio. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Kaden and Hunter Petit, close nephew Scott (Heather) Gilbert, and close niece Kathy Kline, along with numerous nieces and nephews, and other family.

In addition to his parents and step-father, he was preceded in death by his siblings Howard Gilbert, Tom Gilbert, and Hazel Karbula and his daughter-in-law Lori Gilbert.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 2, 2024 from 4-7 p.m. at SNYDER FUNERAL HOMES, Marion Avenue Chapel, 350 Marion Ave., Mansfield, Ohio 44903. The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the same location, followed by burial at Mansfield Memorial Park in Ontario. Pastor Christine Bell of Ontario United Methodist will officiate.

Dick's family would like to extend their gratitude to the caregivers at Vancrest of Urbana for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Cancer Association of Champaign County, P.O. Box 38125, Urbana, Ohio 43078 or to the Richland County Master Gardener Program (please make checks payable to "OSU Extension" with "Master Gardener" in the memo), 1495 W Longview Ave., Suite 206, Mansfield, Ohio 44906.

Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Richard's family and invites you to share a memory of him online at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.