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Gary Gilbert Obituary
Gary Lee Gilbert, 68, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on November 9, 2021 with his family by his side. Gary was born in Jeffersonville, IN to the late William G. and Mary Lee Gilbert. Gary spent his childhood in New Albany, IN and part of his adult life in Seymour, IN and Zionsville, IN, before retiring and moving to Florida. Gary graduated from New Albany High School in 1971. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University in 1975, his Master’s degree and superintendent’s license from Indiana University in 1978 and 1981, followed by his Doctorate degree from Indiana State in 1999. Gary began his teaching career at Emerson Elementary in Seymour, IN in 1975, where he progressed from the position of teacher to Principal over the course of 23 years, before taking the Superintendent position at Clinton Central Schools in 1998. From there, he began his tenure at MSD Pike Township Schools in 2005, where he remained until he retired as the assistant superintendent in 2017. Gary’s passion for education came from his father, who Gary considered to be his hero and a drive to be like him. Gary was a family man. He enjoyed playing cards and watching sports with his sons, specifically the Indiana Hoosiers, Cleveland Browns, New York Yankees and Boston Celtics. Gary relished his time in the sun down in Florida and since retiring and moving to Florida, he spent his days at the beach, listening to music, singing, reading and spending time with his family. Gary is survived by his loving spouse, Lisa Gilbert; his two children, Matt Gilbert (Courtney) of Seymour, IN and Kyle Gilbert (Hayley) of Indianapolis, IN; he also leaves behind a brother, William G. “Bill” Gilbert, Jr. (Sandy) of New Albany, IN; sister, Ann Riddle of New Albany, IN; four grandchildren, Paisley, Jayleigh, Blakely and Wrenly Gilbert and his step-children, Jennifer Long of Norman, OK and Ryan and Andrew Long of Asheville, NC. Visitation will be held from 1-2PM with a Celebration of Life at 2PM, Monday, November 22, 2021 at Trader’s Pointe Christian Church, 1242 W. 136th St in Carmel, IN. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West Bradenton, Florida 34209 is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pike Township Educational Foundation (address below) or donate online at Give | Pike Township Educational Foundation (pike-ef.org) and note in the comments "in memory of Dr. Gilbert." They can also leave a note that we will be sure to share with his family. Pike Township Educational Foundation, 5353 W. 71st Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Memo line: In memory of Dr. Gilbert. To send a message of condolence to the family or share a cherished memory, please visit: www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Gilbert
Tamela Behm
November 21, 2021
Gary has been a wonderful neighbor and friend to all of us on the street. He will be missed greatly. His friendly smile and quick-witted banter about all things in education and high school sports made Gary so personable. I will always picture him sunning in his chair in the driveway and zipping around the streets with Weston by his side in the red golf cart. I have precious memories of football games and wine nights with Gary and Lisa. Hugs and prayers for all the family...
Lucy and Ralph Martinez
November 19, 2021
Gary Thank you for bringing such a heartfelt and loving life to my dearest Lisa and her family. You are truly a gem and our heavens have gained another beautiful angel. Watch over all your beautiful family and God Bless You Always. You will be missed by all of the life’s you touched.
Jamie Goen
November 19, 2021
Mr. Gilbert was a favorite of mine and my friends. He taught math when I was in 5th grade at Emerson Elementary School. My mom was ill at this time, and Mr. Gilbert brightened my life at a very difficult time. He made learning fun. May he rest in peace. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
Matt Marquart
November 18, 2021
I've known Gary's son Kyle for over 10 years now, and am proud to call him one of my best friends. My favorite memory with Gary is actually my most recent as well, at Kyle's Bachelor Party. Who would have thought that 12 or so guys hanging out in the middle of the woods could be so much fun. We simply enjoyed each other's company with card games, cornhole, and watching sports. So sorry for your loss, I will never forget that weekend and the other times with Kyle, Matt, and Gary.
Jonathan Hamblin
November 18, 2021
Gary (aka Mr. Gilbert) was the my 5th grade teacher at Emerson. Always smiling, always found a way to keep me in line, & on task; or promoting the Yankees over Reds/Royals or any other team. God places people in our lives along the way & I am thankful for the fall of 1976. Mr.Gilbert has been a positive influence and will be deeply missed. I am sorry for your loss, as of hearing of Gary’s passing as I felt a part of my growing up passed too.
Alison (Cline) Williams
November 17, 2021
Gary was the superintendent at Clinton Central when I graduated in 2000, and he cared about education, the school system, the staff and the kids. He was always smiling and fun to kid around with. When we graduated and went across the stage to shake his hand, the first person gave him an empty cup. It threw him off not knowing why. He soon found out when each of us gave him a penny as we shook his hand just to be silly. I’m sorry to learn of the loss of such a great man. My prayers are with his family.
Roger Cline
November 17, 2021
My sincerest condolences to Gary’s family and close friends. Gary was an excellent superintendent at Clinton Central School Corporation. As a board member at the time I have many fond memories as we worked with Gary. He provided strong leadership and fiscal responsibility for the corporation. He was very much a “people” person and showed respect for all the staff.
wayne d gilbert
November 17, 2021
condolences from possible indiana relatives thoughts and prayers reaching out to comfort you at your time of grief,,, fyi my great-great grandfather reaise in jeff and new albany area circa mid 1800 s, i would like correspond your family geneologist if i can add any family info to your history [email protected]
Lisa Blaisdell-Nelson
November 17, 2021
Dr. Gilbert was my fifth grade teacher at Emerson in 1977. He created such a positive atmosphere in the classroom, and I have such happy memories of my time in his class! I am so sad to hear of his passing. - Sending prayers from Indiana for his family, friends, students, and co-workers.
Katie Martin
November 17, 2021
My heart is so saddened with his passing. He was my first principal in my career as a student teacher at Eastbrook. He was so amazing and funny. He was a great leader and always there to guide and protect. He will be truly missed. Sending my love and prayers to his family.
SHELLIE CANADY
November 16, 2021
To the Family of Dr. Gary Gilbert,
My heart was in shock and saddness as I heard of Dr. Gilbert's passing. He was absolutely an amazing administrator to work with. I spoke of him often to others. He was funny, had a quick whit about him, and always, loved wearing that cowboy hat to school. When he became our administrator, at Eastbrook, he was the ray of sunshine we needed, after the turmoil the staff went through before he came.
He truly treated everyone with respect, as professionals.
I hadn't spoken to him since his retirement when I said a few words at the retirement celebration, which wasn't nearly enough. Dr. Gilbert encouraged me and supported me when I received my adminstrator's license and allowed me to run the after school program. He trusted me so, that he just let me do what needed to be done and never doubted that I could do it, even when some days I didn't think I could. I am so sadden that he is gone too too soon. But to his family, know that he left his wisdom, and knowledge with so many. He told me once, "Shellie, a good administrator surrounds themselves with good people, trusts them to do the job and allows them to shine." Wow", those words have stayed with me and when I open my own school, I will do exactly what he said. Thank you Dr. Gilbert for all you did for the families, students and staff at Pike Township.
Bianca Weatherspoon
November 16, 2021
Loosing a father, brother, cousin, nephew is never easy. Be comforted that they live on in our memories. May time help to dull the sharp pain felt today. Extending heartfelt condolences and prayers of strength, comfort, and mercy!
Lisa Wells
November 16, 2021
As a long time Pike employee, I always loved seeing Dr. Gilbert and his hat in the hallways at our schools. He always had a smile and a friendly hello any time I saw him. He is missed.
Terri Jump
November 16, 2021
To Gary’s familyI’m very sorry for your loss! It was an honor to work with Gary, a dedicated/competent school leader! May you find peace in your memories and may his legacy live on in all of us!
Linda Flinn
November 16, 2021
I really enjoyed having Gary as my principal at Emerson Elementary. He was always supportive and a friend. Great guy !! Prayers for his family.
Kevin Kempton
November 15, 2021
I was a principal at Pike Township and had the privilege of working with Gary. He was respected and a passionate leader. The field of education lost a strong advocate.
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Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory (43rd St. Chapel) - Bradenton604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209