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Leo Gilson Obituary
1935 - 2015 MARBLEHEAD, MA Leo Gilson, 80, died August 1, 2015 at his home after a long illness. Born in 1935, he was the son of the late Charles D. Gilson and Freda Hesse Gilson. Raised in Pittsfield, Leo graduated from Pittsfield High School where he was class president and an accomplished athlete. He attended Deerfield Academy and graduated from Williams College in 1957. Leo's career began with General Electric. He later worked for International Rectifier before starting his own company, Nova Sales Distribution, a semiconductor business. Traveling the world extensively, Leo loved regaling friends and family with his grand adventure stories, one of which was being shipwrecked around the Fiji Islands. Besides sailing, he was a tinkerer extraordinaire and a competent carpenter and mechanic. He was proud to have built his home by the ocean in Nova Scotia. Leo is survived by his beloved wife, Lucy Lincoln, his son, Michael Gilson, brother, Charles D. Gilson Jr. of Pittsfield, sister, Mary Gilson Spina of Lenox, and sister-in-law, Mary Fran Gilson of NY, and many nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Richard Gilson and Christopher Gilson, predeceased him. Leo was loved by family and many friends. He will be remembered for his generous spirit and philanthropy, larger-than-life personality, humor and incredible determination. There will be no calling hours. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to Care Dimensions (Hospice) of The North Shore, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.
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Memories and Condolences
for Leo Gilson
Sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle.
Sally
April 25, 2019
Lucy
Came cross this recently, tho we had talked briefly about your loss a few yrs. back,
Thinking of you & Mike and of the friends & family we grew up, what fun we had! Take care
August 28, 2015
My deepest regrets to Lucy and Mike. I will miss Leo, he was a good and very interesting friend. We shared a lot of enjoyable times.
John Woodruff
August 20, 2015
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember visiting the charming home overlooking the sea in Nova Scotia and the hospitality of the Gilson family. Our deepest condolences. Sandra, Colin, Julia and Mike Brenan.
Suzanne Thomas
August 16, 2015
You will be missed - such a great neighbor. Always a smile and a kind word.
My sympathy to Lucy and Mike.
Jack Shillingford
August 16, 2015
A great and unforgettable friend! A full life!! Many the days......and nights. Cambridge, Nova Scotia, Mexico etc, Tahiti, and not least, Marblehead. My condolences to all the Gilsons et al!!
August 11, 2015
I am saddened on reading of Leo's passing. I have many fond memories of growing up with the Gilsons across the street - what a great group!
Love to Chuck and Mary.
Ginny Bowman
Frieda Perry
August 11, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of Leo's passing. Though we haven't been good at keeping in touch, we lived many years in the little house on Ross Durkee Road and spent many hours with Leo in his house and ours. We were regaled with his many stories and keen observers of his tinkering and carpentry skills. Our condolences to the Gilson family. We'll always remember our friend Leo.
Frieda & Chris Perry
Dayton, Nova Scotia
Freshmen photo at Williams, from The Gul
Michael Morley
August 10, 2015
Edward Morley
August 10, 2015
Condolences and memories from the Williams alumni blog: http://ephblog.com/2015/08/07/r-i-p-leo-r-gilson-57/
carol brennan
August 7, 2015
Sorry for your loss.Leo was a good friend of Jack'2
WILL O'HERRON
August 7, 2015
HE WAS FINE PERSON ALWAYS HAD A GREAT STORY TO TELL I DID SEE HIM FOR YHE LAST 50 YEARS BUT YOU SURE CANNOT FORGET HIM
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