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John Gilbert Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Gilbert
Sponsored by His loving mother.
Nick Riggio
August 4, 2025
Rest in peace John You were a great instructor
MEG
December 24, 2022
Remembering you and missing you this time of year.
Albert Howe
December 24, 2021
John, there is never a day That passes that I don´t think of you. You are sorely missed.
October 18, 2014
John, thinking about you. Take care of Chris, he might need your help.
Love MEG
June 28, 2010
John,
Happy Birthday. As always you are in my thoughts.
Love MEG
Shellie Ford
December 28, 2007
John,
It has been one year since you left us physically, you are not gone, you are always with us in spirit, in thought, in our hearts, always guiding by the example you set. Thank you, LT
Joseph Weyman
October 30, 2007
How John Gilbert effected me.
I was just 18 , I had moved from New Jersey to West palm Beach Fl.
I made new friends , not the best ones. One day my cousin Micheal Giamatt caught me doing some of the wrong things. Thats when he introduced me to Kempo. After a few months, he told me we were going to a school. If I only new that that school would make such a change in my life. I walked in and waiting for me was this man who stood over 6 feet tall arms crossed, and this smile that only John had a crazy but or going to be ok smile. Then it started since i was related to Micheal Giamatt who went up the ranks under John. John was giving and let loose on me... WOW. I started with taking classes , of coures I was the demo guy in class, that john loved ..lol. Then as i went up the ranks John gave me the responsibility and trust to start teaching. My one hour classes soon turned to six hour classes and sixdays a week, and a friendship was formed. And ever once and a while you would get called into the back with John for that something new that he would teach you , that was always a good thing. I went throught the ranks and then I moved Back to New Jersey, but what I learned from John stayed with me and was applied to everting I did and do. To this day I am still involved in the Martial arts and still teaching. I am a Sheriffs Officer Passaic County ,NJ. In 2004 I was inducted in to the Action Martial Arts hall of fame.. The road toward that award was one that John Gilbert started me on.
Thank You John Gilbert
I will never forget you.
Joseph S. Weyman
Shellie Ford
September 3, 2007
I give you this one thought to keep- I am with you still - I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone - I am with you still - in each new dawn. Native American Prayer
Mary Gilbert
June 28, 2007
To John: Happy Birthday
Birthdays do not end with death,
because memories do not fade,
but are like distant stars that pour forth light across the void.
We miss your fun and gentleness.
We miss your presence, like a silent chord.
And so we celebrate your day by visiting your grave
You had the gift of unrelenting grace
While looking upon cancer ruthless face.
A battle that left you worn but not broken.
As you fought and smiled to the end.
Within us, there is a room for storing sorrow,
Some place to keep one's pain.
Where past can still be present, though in shadow.
Though you have passed -- your spirit stays,
Held fast by love of your family and friends,
You are in a form that cannot be destroyed.
***
An Irish Funeral Prayer
I think this would be what John would say to everyone thinking about him today. (MEG)
________________________________
Death is nothing at all --It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains as it was.
The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be spoken without effort
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, during this interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing hurts; and nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.
Shellie Ford
June 28, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!
"There is no death, only a change of worlds." Duwamish
"Don't be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts." Hopi
He is never gone who resides in our hearts. May time help ease the sorrow we all feel in our hearts, but know that John is still watching & guiding us. LT
Brian Lackovic
March 29, 2007
For me it all started at the West Palm Beach, FL studio on Forest Hill Blvd and Military Tr in the mid 1980s. John called me "The Incredible Rubber Man" and "Ninja," but I was really just a typical "Karate Kid" who rode his bike to the dojo every evening after school for five years. I came from a single parent home with little money and needed direction. John always let me pay for three months and gave me the fourth month free; I always suspected that it was out of the kindness of his own heart.
After I turned 18 and right before my black belt, John gave me a key to
the studio. I was honored even though I probably spent more time in the back alley than inside the dojo at that point.
To this day I can remember John's booming voice as class would start.
"Front position! Bow! Horse stance, move!" There wasn't a class that
went by where he didn't inject his humor, wit, and philosophy. I
remember he told us how he would quickly disarm the knife or gun of his attackers only to realize that that was a really good weapon he could have used on his assailants but instead just threw it 15 ft away.
We practised our basics and combinations until we dreamed about them. While meditating, he focused on the importance of proper breathing and reminded us of the power of properly-chanelled air like the inside of an inflated car tire, capable of lifting a tremendous force.
John had a presence about him that commanded strength. He was a true leader. His tiger spirit is well-remembered. In Sept 1988 the first category 5 hurricane in over 20 years to make landfall in the western hemishpere was named "Gilbert." We joked at the time it was Nature's tribute to John's strength.
I am honored to have been a student under the late Master John Gilbert. When the day comes when my children are old enough, they will know about him, and I will imbue in them a piece of his spirit that I will always carry with me. John, you always said, "It's not what you remember, it's what you don't forget." Thank you, John, for the journey. I will never forget.
Fred Villari
February 20, 2007
John Gilbert
Passed on December 28, 2006
** 8th Degree Black Belt Master Instructor
**Loyal student and close friend of
Grandmaster Villari for over 30 years
**Pioneer by opening the first Villari's in Florida in 1980
Firearms expert and enthusiast
"John Gilbert was a simple man, trustworthy, loyal and honorable to a fault.
I will treasure him always as a friend and student. They don't make them like John Gilbert anymore."
Fred Villari
Great Grandmaster, Founder, Shaolin Kempo Karate
Shellie Ford
February 10, 2007
Let There Be Memories
Let there be memories-
fond recollections of special occasions & everyday things. Let your heart start on it's journey to healing by feeling the comfort remembering things.
Let there be memories-
pictures, mementos, & favorite stories both funny & sad. Let your mind wander the paths of remembrance, reliving the joys & the good times you've had.
Let there be memories-
signs that our loved ones remain near in spirit long after they're gone... tender, surprising, heartwarming, & welcome.
John,
You're being terribly missed by a lot people, all whom thank you for being such a wonderful person. We all are blessed & have much to thank for having been a part of your life. LT
Robert Pulster
January 17, 2007
I send condolences on behalf of John's classmates at Dedham High School Class of 1976.
Rich McGowan
January 17, 2007
As a child I lived down the street from John. There were a number of kids in the neighborhood around the same age and some of my fondest memories were of my childhood in our neighborhood. We all played with John and Mary in their back yard, front yard, barns in the back as well as other kids yards. We all had yards but I remember spending more time in the Gilberts with Steve, my brother, Mark Ober, Eileen and Chris Diehl, and John and Mary than any other. We built great snowforts for our epic snowball fights. We played football, kickball and baseball in the street. We used to play tag and often they were reduced to throwing the younger kids around of which John was one. He was always happy to be part of it and always seemed to relish his part as the throwee. He would get up smiling (most of the time) and his smile was infectious. I still see that smile. God forbid anyone who tried to yell or argue with Mary. John would be on his feet so fast to protect her it would make your head spin. Mary didn't really need protecting but that didn't stop John. I am grateful I stopped throwing him before he started taking karate. I admit most of my memories of John were from our childhood but oh what memories they were. John, rest peacefully.
Vito Camardella
January 11, 2007
KUNG FU MASTER OFFERS LESSONS IN VALOR, DISCRETION
DATE: October 2, 1994
PUBLICATION: The Palm Beach Post
His mother's favorite picture of him is on page 124 of Martial Arts and Real Life. John B. Gilbert's face is on the receiving end of a punch that flattens his nose and scrunches his face.
Gilbert chuckles at the photograph. He's not likely to find himself in such a predicament. At least, not since the time he was an 18-year-old unarmed security guard caught in a closed elevator with an angry man holding a sharpened hair pick. Young Gilbert survived until the elevator doors opened 24 floors later, and he learned a youthful lesson.
``There's more to self-defense than physical techniques,'' he said.
Those are the lessons Gilbert, 36, teaches as a seventh-degree black belt in the Villari system of shaolin kempo karate, also known as kung fu.
You know: Bruce Lee, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, David Carradine. He's one of only eight seventh-degree black belts in the United States.
On the side, Gilbert is a firearms instructor, not to mention a counselor to lawyers, pizza deliverymen and bank tellers on how to avoid being pummeled, carjacked and robbed.
In a field where reputations are as fragile as soap bubbles, business acquaintances teasingly refer to Gilbert as ``the mercenary of the martial arts; the doctor of death.''
That's because he's hardly the tight-lipped, squinty-eyed assassin his credentials suggest. He peppers his instruction with one-liners (``. . . and that's when you give him the free chiropractic adjustment'') and does a credible George Carlin: hair slicked back, eyes bugging, stroking his beard.
``It's nice to be able to wipe out a small village, I suppose, but you don't get invited to many backyard barbecues,'' Gilbert said.
Not that he can't assume an imposing presence, glaring from a 6-foot, 243-pound frame. But there's rarely the need.
``He's the proverbial strong but gentle giant,'' said West Palm Beach divorce lawyer Joel Weissman, a student. ``Usually he looks like someone who could be lost in a crowd. He's not self-centered or a braggart like a lot of guys in his business.''
A LITTLE OF THIS AND THAT
For five years, Gilbert has been director of the Villari Studio of Self-Defense in Jupiter, one of 300 nationwide. Before that, he ran a Villari Studio in West Palm Beach for 10 years.
He tutors housewives, police, second-graders, insurance salesmen and golf-course consultants among his 150 weekly students. Forty percent are women. A good portion aren't old enough to drive.
Pretty tame stuff for a guy who counts Navy SEALS, former intelligence operatives and other spy types among his circle of friends.
``I like to think I haven't given (my students) machine guns or changed them into Rambo or Schwarzenegger, but taught them how to use their heads,'' Gilbert said after a recent noon class.
While he understands the spiritual aspects of the discipline, Gilbert picks a little of this and a little of that for his basic self-defense course.
``For real-life situations,'' he said.
He makes his students wear shoes in class, contrary to tradition. ``That offends a lot of people but if you're in a bad situation, you don't have time to stop and take your shoes off,'' he said.
People expect him to eat sushi, be offended at the word ``handgun'' and ``take a knife and a chocolate bar and deactivate a nuclear warhead like MacGyver.''
But Gilbert prefers the practical approach. His advice: ``If you see something hinky going down, get up and leave.''
That isn't always possible.
``My philosophy is: Use what is at hand. Being a black belt is nice, but a gun is still considered the primary means of self-defense,'' he said.
That's blasphemy in some dojos.
``That's the trouble with a lot of martial arts experts,'' said Tom Sheppard, a friend and director of Bonnette Range Service, a shooting range. ``John doesn't believe that one way is the only way. He feels there's room for everything.''
IT'S NOT JUST A JOB . . .
It's a lesson Gilbert's father taught him.
The elder Gilbert owned a small liquor store and kept a nightstick near the cash register. His son saw him use it numerous times.
When the old man detected his son was placing too much stock in his considerable kung fu skills, he challenged the boy to take the truncheon away from him. In a flash, young Gilbert had the stick, but he found himself staring down the barrel of a .38.
Gilbert can spout the pithy Eastern aphorisms many associate with the mystical arts.
``Success is in the journey, not in the destination,'' he says, and you can almost hear the unspoken: ``Grasshopper.''
Or how about, ``Villari Studios, not just a job, an adventure,'' he said, laughing.
Gilbert's adventure began when he was barely out of high school in Dedham, Mass., a Boston suburb where he grew up.
``I was a dojo rat, always hanging around. My sister was the team athlete in the family. I sort of gravitated to the individual sports,'' he said.
His childhood dreams were of becoming a super-cop or a super-soldier.
``At 16, I knew I wanted to do this for a living,'' he said.
When Fred Villari, whose chain of studios was successful in the Northeast, wanted to move to Florida, 21-year-old Gilbert went with him.
Villari was called away, leaving his new store in Gilbert's hands for six months. He was afraid students and other businessmen wouldn't trust his youth, so for a time he pretended Villari was still in town. He kept the door to Villari's office closed and pretended to go in to consult with him on important matters.
NO `HOUSE OF DEATH'
Like a successful businessman, Gilbert has adapted to his clientele. In the 1970s, students wanted intensity, competition and killer skills. Now, the typical student is looking for self-improvement, fitness and stress relief.
``A person is his own barometer. You're not competing with anyone else, you are competing with yourself,'' Gilbert said. ``This is not Johnny's House of Death where you learn to kill in 60 seconds.''
Kids, on the other hand, are drawn by the Power Rangers. ``They like the action and think it's cool. They realize it's something they can do,'' he said.
Gilbert's clinics emphasize holds and escapes over kicks and punches, and his children's classes focus on ways youngsters can keep themselves safe without confrontation.
``Distance is your best friend,'' he said.
``He has such a remarkable rapport with kids,'' said Pete Rieks, whose family became friends with Gilbert while he trained them. ``He takes an individual interest and teaches to their ability.''
The story goes that one of his advanced-degree adult students conspired with some classmates, flicked off the lights and tested themselves against the master. When the lights came on, only Gilbert was standing, and the mastermind was out the door.
``You can avoid most situations,'' Gilbert said with a shrug. ``What will more likely kill you today is stress or a heart attack. We like to say we add life to your years and years to your life.''
JOHN GILBERT
PERSONAL: 36, single, native of Dedham, Mass.
HIS STORY: Seventh-degree black belt in kung fu, firearms instructor, security counselor and sometime bodyguard who is director and instructor at Villari Studio for Self-Defense in Jupiter.
QUOTE: ``It's nice to be able to wipe out a small village, I suppose, but you don't get invited to many backyard barbecues.''
JAMES GREGORY
January 3, 2007
I was 19 years old, and he was 20, when I first met John in Dedham Ma. He was the newly promoted Black Belt Instructor that ran the studio on Friday’s. And I happened to walk in the door, on a Friday, and he signed me up. Little did I know that it would be the beginning of a long friendship with him. I used to bring lunch for us every week, prior to my lesson, D’angelos steak and cheese, it was the best. He made the studio like a sanctuary, a good place to be. John even got me a job when I needed it, through contacts he had. I spent many hours at the studio up there. I usually managed to corral a few late stayers to “ ambush” John at the end of the day. I still remember his voice after I turned out the lights for my fellow conspirators, “ Gregory” he would mutter, as he demolished us in the dark. God that was fun. Painful, but fun.
Then in 1980 he came to Florida to open the new studio on Forest Hill Blv. But we kept in contact and he offered me a job helping out at the studio teaching. I came to Florida in Sept. of ‘80 and he found me a place to live and let me teach and learn. After earning my Black Belt, I taught at four other studio locations, including my own franchise studio in Virginia Beach, Va., in ‘85. And he had a hand in my getting these positions.
When I finally got out of the business, I called John. Despite being busy for a year and not being in touch with him, he simply said to come on down and I could stay with him. And so I did. Later on , after I began another career, we lost track. When he went to Jupiter to run the studio there, I came by and helped out, and we laughed , having missed our time together . We used to tell story time to each other, and just laugh until it hurt. Then I guess I got busy again in my career and lost touch for these last years. Sadly, this was my loss. John had always been ready to help. Whether it was a job, a place to live, or just advice. And he never asked for anything in return.
We call this friendship.
My life would not have taken the course that it did, were it not for his friendship and support. Few people knew John as long as I did. But I know I was not the only one that he helped out when it was needed.
We call that character.
So my friend, now that your gone, I am left to laugh on my own. No more surprise attacks, no more “conspirators” to vanquish in the dark, and no more laughter in the dojo.
But for all it’s worth, you will always be remembered for kindness, generosity and allowing others to grow and move through you on their quest in life.
For those of us who believe in the law of Karma, you my friend, have some good Karma coming to you in the next life. And I expect to be there when you return, so I can enjoy your quality of spirit and character, and we can laugh together again. Rest in Peace.
Courtland Swett
January 3, 2007
John was a good friend and he will be missed a lot.
Mark Klingensmith
January 3, 2007
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Albert Howe
January 3, 2007
John
The words honor, integrity, strength and
dependibility are what describe your life. You have touched my life in way no
other individualk has.
We are sniper doubles!
Joe Hancock
January 3, 2007
John B. Gilbert
Those three words carry so much with them …. they describe a teacher, a mentor, a business man, a history buff, a weapons expert - and a true friend.
Anything he chose to do, he did well – if he was learning something new, whether it was a new weapon or SCUBA diving, he would give it his full attention and spend whatever time was necessary to get it down pat.
He was always willing to share his knowledge with others – he was a consummate instructor. Whether the setting was formal training or a bunch of guys in a restaurant he had a easy way a explaining concepts and conveying information in a way that was easy to grasp and enjoyable to be a part of.
Telling stories – John loved to tell stories and he told them extremely well. He had the same sense of timing and delivery that made him such a great martial artist. Many of the stories he told were of his own misfortunes and ‘learning experiences’ and he could get a group of people laughing so hard that they cried.
Look around you at all the people here, and think about how many people that John touched in his life. Now think about the how like the ripples on a pond those affected by John have been able to have a positive affect on others in their lives.
John’s legacy is his blackbelts and the generations of blackbelts that follow.
His challenge - to make a difference in as many lives as he did.
Janet Sciarrino
January 2, 2007
When I read the notice of John's passing, I was deeply saddened and shocked. How could a " gentle giant " of a man be taken from us so young? John's love and kindness touched our lives so deeply. His dedication to my son's martial arts education was immeasurable. JJ was a boy of 9 years when he received his black belt. His is now a fine young man of 29 years with many of the characteristics that John embodied. Both of our lives were enriched by John's kind and supportive spirit. May God bless you John. We will love, miss, remember, and honor you all the days of our lives. Janet and JJ Sciarrino
Rod Tutt
January 2, 2007
For John's Family and Friends: John was a very special person.
It was a pleasure and a privledge for me, to have known him. I'll miss John's great sense of humor, and his great, positive outlook on life. May the love of family, and friends carry you through your grief.
Chris Ratajczak
January 2, 2007
John was a true and genuine man. very giving and understanding. He tought me for several years in martial arts but tought me most character which has made me the man I am today. He wil be truely missed!!
Candice Worley-Williams
January 2, 2007
John came into my life when I was only 11 years old. He not only kept me on the right path through those difficult teen years, but gave me confidence in myself making me the strong/independent woman I am now. John was my mentor! He took me under his wing and taught me to have a positive outlook on life even when it seemed to be turning for the worst.
John kept a close eye on me from a child, through my teens (even dating…not much done with John picking them out), all the way to me raising my own family now. He has made an impact not only in my life, but my husband and children’s as well. Even though they will never know him the way I do/did, he still plays an important role in our family.
John created a close family out of strangers; the martial arts family. You will be missed, John, but will always be in our lives and our hearts. We will see you again and catch up on good times.
With LOVE Always
Kathleen Baird
January 2, 2007
My family was blessed with knowing John for 22 years. He not only was an honorable, dependable and faithful friend, but one of those wonderful people that you choose as "family". May it somehow comfort us to know that he is now in Gods loving embrace.
Rita Minor
January 1, 2007
I became one of Johns students in the early 80's.He's been a friend ever since.He taught us alot about how to be strong& to have confidence in anything we did.He will be missed&We All Love Him .
Michael Giamatt
January 1, 2007
There are times in life when one you meet some one special and he has a profound impact on your life, but you just don't know it at the time.
For me, that time was the begining of my martial arts journey and that man was John Gilbert.
The consumate teacher, John was at home being a great instuctor. He knew how to add that personal touch that made him both larger than life, but at the same time, just one of the guys. Some of my fondest memories will always be the times I spent in John's company both as a student and a friend. Although we had lost touch over the years, I never forgot the impact he had on my life.
John, you will be missed, but know that your work in this life has touched literally hundreds of people. To his family I offer my deepest sympathies, but know that John's life, while too short, was one of purpose, meaning and importance. He will be for ever missed.
Deborah Riecks
January 1, 2007
To John's friends and loved ones, My family and I have known and loved John since 1983. We have all been trained by John. To say he taught the Martial Arts leaves so much more unsaid. He taught us all something special ,individually, that we could apply to our lives. Thankyou John. You will obviously never be forgotten. God bless your family, loved ones, and our family in the Martial Arts. John, give my love to Pete. Sincerely, Debbie Riecks and family Peter J. and Jim.
George & Corey Lambert
January 1, 2007
We had the pleasure of knowing John since 1990. He was a brilliant martial arts instructor and a true friend.
All of us who studied under John have at least one special story about him. Plus we’d all agree that he always had a sense of humor.
And I’m sure right now he’s entertaining those up there with his hardy laugh and quick wit.
Our sincere condolences to his family and love ones.
Ron & Deb Worley
January 1, 2007
We, as numerous others have been, were touched by John in many ways. He was our first martial arts instructor (1992) and quickly became a good friend to us both. John influenced our outlook in the arts and helped us on a path of our own balance. He truly was a kind, gentle man who could be tough and a bit rough around the edges at times. John had a big heart; he cared deeply about the people around him weather they knew about it or not; he will be missed deeply. To his family and other close friends, Ron and I express our deepest condolences.
Eileen Diehl
December 31, 2006
Norah and Mary,
John was a great son, brother, and friend. He is and always will be a major part of my best childhood memories. In years to come, when the chidren, grandchildren, nephews and nieces of the Madison Street Gang gather for a twilight game of softball, John will forever be the invisible man on third.
Bob Baird
December 31, 2006
When troubles came, John realized that a positive attitude was the best antidote. A man of unquestionable integrity & tenacity. You fought the good fight & now it's time for a well deserved rest.
A large piece of my heart is missing but, there is another part of my heart where I will keep the memory of you for the rest of my days. It has been an honor to know you John & even more of an honor to have been your friend.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face & rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. I will miss you my friend.
Bob Baird
SEAL Team 1 USN/Ret.
Shellie Ford
December 30, 2006
The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand,
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth still lingers on the land,
The music stops, and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains...
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.
To ALL of John's family,
May your memories comfort you in your sorrow and allow you to keep the loving & strong man that John was close to your heart. He will & can not be forgotten because he left such an indelible mark on any one who met him. We all are left with a void at his passing, but his spirit lives on in all of us. May he continue to provide us with his guidance through our every day actions. The bull has regained his strength, watch out above. L.T.
Vito Camardella
December 30, 2006
Im sure John is up there protecting the ones in need. He will be missed by many.
Condolences from the Camardella family
joel weissman
December 30, 2006
words are merely a form of communication that truly cannot depict who john was and will always remain to those fortunate enough to
have known him and be affected by his being.
john you will be missed but not forgotten
Charles Kenfield
December 30, 2006
John leaves a legacy behind which many of us will never forget. A friend, a teacher and one who touched many of our lives over the years. To his family please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences. May God bless you and give you peace during this difficult time.
Mark Turney
December 30, 2006
Dear Gilbert Family,
John was like a second father to me during my teen years. The training he provided spanned not just martial arts, but life in general. John will always be a part of me, and will be dearly missed.
Denis,Chad,Julie,Traci Mainville
December 30, 2006
Mr.Gilbert and family
You were a friend,teacher and a mentor to my family and I. I have many thoughts and memories of your teaching in the dojo that will never be forgotten. The kung-fu world has lost a great man full of knowledge that will be greatly missed. I'm sure we will meet again in the after life. My condolances to your family.
Your former students
Merle & Tammi Geierman
December 29, 2006
John, you will be missed greatly, but not forgotten. Too the family our prayers are with you.
May the God of the universe confort you during this time of loss.
In Christ Love
Merle & Tammi Geierman
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