Charles Murray Gilman

Pleasure Beach - Colonel Charles Murray Gilman died at home on Feb. 7, 2017, in Pleasure Beach, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Charles "Buddy" was born in Norwich on July 22, 1921, the youngest son of Clara Stern and Nathan Gilman.

He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings George, Lucile, Martin, Lawrence, Seymour, and Patricia. He is survived by his adoring wife of 66 years, Mary Jane (Evans) and eight children, Kate Gilman, Amy Kazakidis, Jonathan Gilman, Evan Gilman, Meg Gilman, Cyrus Gilman (Kristine Olsen), Charles Gilman Jr., and Sara Gilman Mallari (Jay Mallari). He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren, George and Alexander Kazakidis, Philip and Marina Kazakidis, Nathan and Nicholas Gilman, Anthony, Michael and Brian Mazzella, David Gilman, Hannah and Oliver and Jack Gilman, Olivia and Sophia Mallari, and great-grandson Mason Mazzella.

Buddy was a graduate of NFA, Class of 1939, and Carnegie Mellon University, Class of 1943 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. His strong love of family, faith and country guided him throughout his life. His military career commenced in the ROTC as a cadet captain and regiment adjutant engineer. In 1943, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. In WWII he served in the Army Corp of Engineers and was stationed in the Mediterranean Theater. He loved to tell of his adventures as a pilot at that time. In 1964, he graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Levenworth, Kan. In 1972, he was proudly promoted to colonel.

After WWII, he joined the family businesses, serving as the president of Bozrah Light & Power Company, and vice-president and president of The Gilman Brothers Company. He was on the board of directors of the Electric Council of New England and chairman of the board of The Gilman Brothers Company. He was the past president of the Norwich Manufacturing Association, a registered professional engineer with the state of Connecticut, a licensed airplane pilot, member of the Retired Officers Association, a mason since 1942 with St. James Lodge No. 23 AF & AM, 32nd Degree, member of the Shriners, life member of Nemrod Groton, life member of Bozrah Volunteer Fire Company, perpetual member of the Military Order of the World Wars, life member of the Society of the Founders of Norwich, member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and a member of Brothers of Joseph Synagogue in Norwich.

Buddy married his beloved wife Mary Jane in 1950 and they were inseparable, as anyone who knew them would admire. He was a gifted artist and silversmith. He was extremely proud of his silversmithing hobby and pieces. He and Mary Jane loved to travel and Buddy was a prolific photographer. The collection of Buddy's travel and family photos was a testament to his love of his family.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. today, at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich. Burial will follow in First Hebrew Society Cemetery, Preston. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Brothers of Joseph Synagogue, 2 Broad St., Norwich, CT 06360.

We would like to thank Buddy's caregivers, Linda, Sue, Suzanne, Zoe, Candy and Melody for their unending patience and love they bestowed.