Kenneth E Gilman

Kenneth E. Gilman, 87, the son of the late Roger Gilman and Thelma (Richardson) Gilman, died peacefully at his home in New London, NH, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, surrounded by members of his family.

Kenneth was born in St. Johnsbury, VT and grew up in Marshfield. Throughout high school he played basketball and baseball and in his senior year he was elected president of his class. In 1958 Kenneth married Sarah (Sally) Hough of Danville. In 1960 he graduated from UVM and, after completing the ROTC program, entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant. Kenneth proudly served his country for twenty years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served two tours in Vietnam where he was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After retiring from the Army, he moved his family to Morrisville, VT, where he and Sally lived for 28 years. He co-owned the Lamoille Grain Company and, with Sally, owned Pleasant Street Auto Care.

Kenneth loved to fish, travel, and spend time with his family. He appreciated good food and good people. Gardening and birdwatching were favorite pastimes, as was watching old westerns on TV.

In September of this year, Kenneth and Sally celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. She was, in his words, "the love of my life" and together they raised three children. 

Kenneth's family was his greatest joy. He leaves behind his wife Sally, his daughters Kimberly Gilman (Jerry Fishbein) of Massachusetts and Sharon Gilman of Vermont and his son Kenneth Gilman, II (Ann) of Washington. Also, five treasured grandchildren, Joshua Merriam (Erin), Jessica Merriam, Isaac Merriam (Melissa), Eli Fishbein (Morissa Vital), and Aaron Fishbein (Stephanie Curley) and six great-grandchildren, Aiden, Gavin, Ashlynn, John, Cooper and Vivien, they never failed to make him smile. Kenneth is survived by two sisters, Hazel Egan and Nancy Allen, a niece and two nephews. An infant sister, Barbara Fern, predeceased him.

Kenneth will be interred with full military honors in a private family service at the Vermont Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Randolph.

Our family wants to acknowledge the work of Lake Sunapee VNA/Hospice and the independent home health aides that allowed our husband/father/grandfather to die at home. Your empathy, humor and professionalism were greatly appreciated.

In remembrance of Kenneth, please consider a donation to your local VNA/Hospice. To
sign an online guestbook, please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.