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SHELDON GILGORE Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for SHELDON GILGORE
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CHARLIE SMITH
February 12, 2021
I have retired early now in part because of Shelly's advice to enjoy life. Ironically, this week while cleaning out my old files, I came across a box full of his old speeches which I could not throw away. Shelly took great pride in his speeches, a few of which he had me write for him. In reading through them what struck me was how he sought to inspire others to strive for greater accomplishments and not accept the status quo. Shelly held himself to a high standard and he wanted others to do so as well. He sought to be crisp and clear in his advice and would use examples of recent success to allude to the even greater possibilities which we could aspire to moving forward.
It was a privilege and honor to work for and learn from Shelly so early in my career. He taught me much about the industry but more importantly he taught me even more about life. And most importantly he taught me to have fun while doing it but "be good" as well.
Thinking of you and miss you Shelly. Wish I could visit you in Marco. Be well!
Anita Wilson
April 7, 2019
Dearest Gilgore family,
I was a Searle employee many years ago. I was proud to say I worked at a great place that started with growing pains and became a refined Pharmaceutical company. I send my deepest sorrows for your loss. I worked in the Corporate Jet management department. I was lucky to have worked with the three pilots and chief of maintenance. It was sort of difficult for me because I was proud of what the company was becoming. But I knew only change could make it greater. You both were able to breathe new life into this adventure. I had to create financial rules of the road if you would where none had ever existed before. I was proud to do so with the help of JZ. I will never forget how outraged some of the employees became when it was time to give the Hawker a facelift. But me I simply said any improvements would also improve the value of the Hawker. Irma and Sheldon were outstanding people and would not simply do something like this unless it was needed. I met Sheldon several times he would say now don't be afraid to ask questions. He reminded me all people put their pants on one leg at a time. To this day that still makes me laugh. I will never let anyone forget how awesome he was and how much both of you sacrificed to work the sometimes necessary 24/7 clock. Thank you both for entrusting me and JZ too I am so proud to say I worked for an outstanding company. You both had a great hand in that happening.
Sincerely,
PS sorry it took such a long time for me to respond. I only found out a month ago.
Anita W
Meredith Fry
February 13, 2014
Dear Irma: My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. There's no way I can add to the accolades that have already been given to Shelly. He truly was "one of a kind". I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with you both and I know that Chuck and Shelly are up there together talking opera! May God's comfort be with you. Love, Meredith Fry
lois sobel
March 7, 2010
dear irma..i am the sister of jerry oslinker i was told of sheldon's passing by my good friend millie allen..my deepest sympathy to you and your family..though my brother passed in 1991, there is not a day that i do not think of him and the memories of his college friends..i pray your memories will bring a smile to your heart as i know they will bring tears to your eyes..sincerely..lois oslinker sobel
June Conner
March 6, 2010
Irma, I am sorry to learn of your loss of Sheldon. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
June Conner/caregiver
Dr. Alfred Gilgore
March 1, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss,my deepest sympathies to the entire family.
February 26, 2010
While Shelly and Irma each brought much
to the world in their respective fields
it's what they brought to each other that should inspire all married couples.
It was always a joy to be in their
presence.
Carla and Hank Greenwald-Naples, FL
February 20, 2010
irma; so sorry to hear about shelly ,god bless carol balch beverly hills fl
Prentis Hall
February 19, 2010
To the Gilgore Family:
It was a distinct honor meeting Dr. Gilgore. While many knew him as a giant in the pharmaceutical industry, I remember him as a man who looked you in the eye when he shook your hand, and who's eyes would mist up at his grandson's Bar Mitzvah. Our family extends its deepest sympathies to his family and everyone who knew and loved Dr. Gilgore.
Mert Livingstone
February 18, 2010
Irma, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have great memories from Searle days and our art collection. Both you and Dr. Gilgore provided me such a great opportunity to gain an appreciation for art as we worked together to select an amazing collection. I will always be grateful.
Diana Borgo
February 18, 2010
Dear Irma: I was so sorry to learn about Shelly. I know how difficult it is to lose your partner. My deepest sympathy.
February 18, 2010
Irma & Gary:
My condolences to you and your families.
Janet Shemligan - Eagle Creek
Jean Magilton
February 18, 2010
Lloyd: I came upon this in my morning paper and was saddened. Wow - what a great man. I knew you came from such incredible intelligence and humanity. I hope you have comfort in this time. Thank you for all of your immense help and your devotion to improving peoples' lives, as I can see your father accomplished as well.
Joyce and Vito Pastore
February 18, 2010
Dear Mrs. Gilgore, Please accept our sincere thoughts at the untimely passing of your husband.
Charlie Smith
February 17, 2010
Irma,
Deepest condolonces. Shelly was a great influence on my life not only from a career perspective but also personally. I learned sooo much from him and his insights that I consider it a true priviledge to have worked with him and known him.
Your relationship and joy of life the two you shared was always a joy to share and be part of.
Thanks for the memories Shelly and "be good" in your next journey.
Love Charlie
Ed Corboy, Jr.
February 17, 2010
Dr. Sheldon Gilgore was a man of great brilliance, keen insight, extraordinary acumen, a man dedicated to creating a better world via his imaginative and stunning contributions to medicine, patient care, the development of new & novel medications that have saved millions of lives, prevented suffering, eased pain, prevented serious illness and far more. He was also humble, kind and incredibly thoughtful.
He was a man of such innate natural talent and such sheer brilliance that he was in every way a true “Renaissance Man”. Both he and his lovely and vibrant wife, Irma, were a dynamic and thriving pair who added not only great color to the world, enhanced the quality of life for millions around the world, but found a sense of family values and family love that resulted in three fine sons and many grandchildren. Dr. Gilgore was a wonderful constellation of goodness, kindness, warmth and all this with a sense of humor, a wonderful and unforgettable laugh, and a love of people.
Dr. Gilgore was a leader, a mentor and a friend to many. He did give people very unique chances to make their marks and he was forever on your side once you earned his trust and respect.
He was a visionary and could see things that could help the world, improve global public health, and envision ways to create teams of people to help create pharmaceutical magic. His vision was so innate and penetrating, he could often see far out into the details of science and blend this “scientific vision” and then figure out how to work with teams of leading experts at Searle, in medicine, science, pharmacy, clinical pharmacology and expert teams of researchers to turn his visions into reality.
He was extraordinary in his lack of stuffiness and he was always eager and engaging to work with people of all ages and of all backgrounds to find ways to create “team driven innovation” that would matter and make a difference for the people and patients of the world.
I had the great good fortune to work at Searle when he just arrived at Searle from Pfizer. His reputation as he arrived at Searle was that of a true super star and scientific genius. The first time I heard him speak, it was clear he was a man of great intellect and had an awesome command of science, medicine, research in medicine and pharmaceuticals, and was a true entrepreneur at heart. He set demanding and ambitious goals for the Searle organization; he was able to sell people on his vision that Searle could become a truly world-class company and went about his work in early 1986 with great gusto and energy.
Dr. Gilgore created and “wrote the book” on a wide array of truly unique and helpful innovative programs to help the poor find access to Searle products with his Searle Patients in Need™ free drug programs for those who could not afford critically important medications. He also conceived a host of other “patient-centered programs” that led the industry in a wide variety of patient education materials to empower patients to read about their Searle medications in easy to understand English and Spanish printed materials and in doing so be in a better position to take Searle medications safely and effectively.
I was most fortunate to work directly with Dr. Gilgore in the innovation planning area from 1993 to 1995. My two and a half years working with him directly allowed me to discuss a wide range of key issues, be included in his key innovative plans for the company, and also find that he put great value on hearing new ideas and finding ways to enhance Searle’s culture to make the lives of Searle employees more meaningful, exciting and positive. He created the “Searle New Ideas Program” in 1994 that opened up his access to all Searle employees and he received many hundreds of ideas on innovation and how Searle could be better and rise to new levels of excellence. He read every letter sent to him and he sent every employee a letter of thanks for their ideas and a book on innovation and creativity. Dr. Gilgore was a man of keen intellect, and yet he had a natural charm and warmth that was sincere, friendly and other centered.
On a personal side, when my late sister, Joanie, was dealing with metastatic breast cancer in 1993 and 1994, Dr. Gilgore always inquired as to how she was doing and offered to help in any way he could. He was always willing to listen to me as I might seek his advice and wisdom on various treatments that might be life saving for my sister, who was a wonderful sister, a nurse and one of the many woman (and men) who face breast cancer in their lives. His personal interest and his sincere kindness meant a great deal to me also helped me help my sister, who sadly passed away in May 1994 at age 43. His compassion and kindness was remarkable and a side of him that many other people saw as they faced personal adversity and major challenges.
I had a wonderful afternoon and dinner with Dr. Gilgore and Irma at their home in Naples in 2002, had a personal tour of their beyond impressive art collection and museum, and then had a lovely dinner with them at a local Naples restaurant. As a couple, I have never seen two people more in love with each other, more totally connected in spirit and mind, and complement each other in a perfect way.
The many kind words that will be said about Dr. Gilgore will piece together a view of a true gentleman, a man of science, medicine and vision and a man who was an exceptional human being. He met all of the great tests of any life well lived: He left the world a decidedly better place than he found it, he eased the suffering of sick and disabled, he expanded the frontiers of science and medicine, and he showed via his actions and deeds what “greatness” is all about. He was a family man of extraordinary grace and connection and his priorities were always clear, family first.
The impact of his life will continue to positively impact a wide range of patients and people forever. His contributions to medicine, science, pharmaceutical research, and also to the arts are too diverse and too large to describe. Many of the medical and pharmaceutical innovations of today and in the future will be based on the innovative leadership and foundations that Dr. Gilgore helped invent or create with his empowered teams of colleagues.
There will never be another Dr. Sheldon Gilgore. He, like Ben Franklin, was a one of a kind true Renaissance Man. I wish his wife, Irma, their three sons, extended family and many grandchildren peace and solace at a time of great loss. I also wish them the great joy of reflecting on the many wonderful family experiences they had and hope that the many great memories will help them deal with such an enormous loss.
Julie Vojtech
February 17, 2010
Lance, my heart breaks for you and your family. I know how close you were to your dad. Losing a parent is one of those things you never get over, you just learn to live with it. You and your family are in my prayers. Jules
Ron & Sheila Goode
February 17, 2010
Sheldon G. Gilgore was a giant of the pharmaceutical industry, but more significantly to me, Shelly Gilgore was one of the most important men in my life. The combination of his keen intellect, consummate marketing skill and insights, scientific and medical knowledge, leadership and his 'life' wisdom not only inspired but lifted all who came into contact with him, me perhaps more than most (because I had so much to learn).
Shelly knew more about my abilities than I, challenged me to be more than I thought I could be, and then gave me the opportunity to prove himself right! He believed in me when I was ignorant and immature, and provided the inspiration and means for me to grow.
Shelly’s contributions to the well-being of all mankind are certainly not easily summarized and perhaps even may be ineffable. He believed in the “good that drugs do” and made his professional career more than significant by contributing to the creation and distribution of medicines that have made life longer and better for untold millions.
His intellect and knowledge could be intimidating (I never made a presentation to him but what he asked a question I could not answer), but his invariable graciousness overcame all barriers in relationship.
Shelly’s generosity knew no bounds. He took me places, and let me go places on my own, that were not even in the imagination of this kid from the wrong side of the Frayser (Tennessee) tracks.
Some personal anecdotes:
Knowing that “Wheels Up” time was when the most important person was ready to go, I learned timeliness by seeing the exhaust of the jet headed to the runway while driving to the hanger. But I learned something about humility and grace when that same jet, at the direction of that MIP, turned around and came back to pick me up. Shelly led and educated by example.
Having the audacity to invite the cultural giants Shelly and Irma to a concert featuring the work of “de vor RAK” (in my Southern idiom), I deserved being laughed at but was quietly and by aside informed that they would be happy to join us in listening to “dVOR-zhak”. Shelly enjoyed educating those who needed educating.
Shelly loved great food and wine. Knowing his penchant for seafood, we insisted that he order the “fiddlesticks” item (to quote myself: “a really wonderful crab”) on the menu. His graciousness was exemplified when a mass of green vegetable was brought as his main course. Shelly didn’t embarrass the ignorant.
We have lost a significant personage, an outstanding leader, a connoisseur of the best things in life, and a real friend.
May God continue to bless Irma and give her the grace to carry on.
John S. Winkleman
February 17, 2010
Irma:
I am so sorry for your loss. Shelly was very special – he was a leader, a compassionate friend and also a mentor. It was a privilege to work with him while he chaired Clark's board of trustees. You both did so much to help grow the institution beyond its Worcester roots. My wife and I send you our love.
Rob Copeland
February 16, 2010
It was a great privilege to work with and know Dr. Gilgore and the people around him, including the magnificent Irma. He had such intelligence, class, style, dignity, integrity --- one could go on and on.
He honored us with the trust and respect he gave to our thoughts, ideas, and efforts. Ultimately, he was the best client I ever had and the finest gentleman for whom I ever had the privilege to work.
My heart goes out to the dear and lovely Irma and the family.
Shelly was just as good as it gets.
Richard RePass
February 16, 2010
More than 40 years have passed since my wife Edna and I met Sheldon Gilgore. It was in New London, CT in 1969 when we bought the house where he had lived with Irma and their three little boys. When we moved several years later to Darien, CT we found the Gilgores living there. The Gilgores were the founding directors of the Connecticut Opera and it was a great joy for me to share with both Shelly and Irma my enthusiasm for opera. Once again our paths crossed when we moved to Naples, FL and found the Gilgores again. A true Renaissance man, Sheldon Gilgore was devoted to art and music and could converse with great wit and erudition on subjects cultural. His legacy includes the beautiful museum of 19th and early 20th century Italian art that he and Irma founded, his contributions to the world of opera and his devotion to humanitarian causes. It was a rare privilege for Edna and myself to have known him. We will miss him greatly.
Drs. Greg & Patricia Slachta
February 16, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Lauren Hartman-Betke
February 16, 2010
Dear Irma,
I am so sorry to hear the news about Shelly. Both of you have had a life changing influence in my life. We had some spectacular times that I will never forget. Shelly will be missed. I will be in touch soon
Karen Latshaw
February 16, 2010
My heartfelt sympathies to the lovely Gilgore family. Whenever I think of Dr. Gilgore I am reminded of his BRILLANT mind, keen sense of humor and impeccable timing. It was a sincere privilege to work for him five years at Searle. As for the circle of love that he created with his beautiful wife, Irma, their children and grandchildren -- his spirit will have no end; it will always be a part of them. I loved him dearly. He will be sorely missed. A grand (martini) toast to a wonderful and most remarkable man!
Bob Benz
February 16, 2010
Our deepest sympathies to the family of a true pioneer and leader.
Sincerely,
Bob and Marie Benz
Skip and Judy Oliver
February 16, 2010
Irma, we send our deepest sympathies to you and your sons on the loss of Dr. Gilgore. He had a very accomplished life, but he still left this world too soon.
Pat De Weel
February 16, 2010
My deepest sympathies go out to the Gilgore family. I have fond memories of times at Searle with Shelly, Mike Sonnenreich and Arthur Sackler. I am so sorry for your loss.
Vincent Vaccaro
February 16, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the family of Dr Shelly Gilgore and especially to his brother,Gary,who has been my friend since our training days at Lankenau Hospital. V.M. Vaccaro MD
Randy Van Alstine
February 16, 2010
Irma:
Please accept our condolences. I didn't know Shelly in the early years that were described in his obituary, and I feel it was my loss. He did some wonderful things in his life. All any of us can do is hope that when we are called by God, we can look back and feel that we have made some contribution to make the world a better place for those we leave behind. Shelly certainly did that and more. We are just a stone's throw away so if you need anything at any time, please call us.
The Van Alstine's
Peter Sonnenreich
February 15, 2010
We would like to offer our deepest sympathies on the loss of Dr. Sheldon Gilgore. We will always remember the beauty and innovation that Irma and Dr. Gilgore brought to the arts community and to the cutting edge work that Dr. Gilgore established for our pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Gilgore was truly a great leader and was ahead of his time in everything that he did. We offer our deepest condolences to Irma, Lance, Larry, Lloyd and to the other members of the Gilgore family.
The Sonnenreich Family
Ruthie Pinkenson Feldman
February 15, 2010
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I have fond, clear memories of time spent with you in Darien many years ago, My father, Joe ZT"L, loved Shelly, and took enormous pride in following all of his accomplishments even when he (Shelly) was a very young boy.
May the Holy One grant you, and the entire family 'nechama' comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Ruthie Pinkenson Feldman
February 15, 2010
Sincere Condolences from
Michael & Linda Sonnenreich
Jerry Silverman
February 15, 2010
I offer my deepest sympathy. I felt very fortunate to see his leadership first hand when I became responsible for a small but very important medical supplement that he and his closest colleagues and friends were trying to establish. Through this assignment, I was given the opportunity to work with some of his dear friends from medical school. Through their association with Dr. Gilgore, I was able to see the loyality he inspired from his professional colleagues and friends. To this day I will never forget the tremendous opportunity, I was provided and the knowledge gained as a result, which has helped me contribute to the pharma industry and to those colleagues I was fortunate enough to mentor.
February 15, 2010
My sympathies and prayers to Lance and his entire family. Dr. Gilgore will be missed. Edward McAdam, NJ
Elizabeth Wright
February 15, 2010
My sympathy to Lance Gilgore and all of Sheldon Gilgore’s family. My thoughts are with all of you. I know Dr. Gilgore will be greatly missed.
Judith Doll
February 15, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Helen Levine
February 14, 2010
Please accept my deepest sypathy to you Irma, Lance, Larry, and to my dear son-in-law Lloyd. Also to you Gary and family. Shelly will be dearly missed.
Cathy's Mom
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