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Rod Gilbert Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Rod Gilbert
60 Entries
Maryann D. Gonzalez
June 30, 2024
I would like to say Rod was one of the greatest Rangers of all time Off the ice he was also the great he was nice he was the best wishing you was still here and happy birthday in heaven one of the best now and always a perfect gentleman
Lou Verderosa
June 20, 2023
I meet Rod in the Rangers hockey school in 1962 and seating next to him I ask Frank pace the trainer to give #7 to Rod cause he will make the team next season and Gee Gendron won’t be back . I was a big fan of Res Sullivan #7 from 58-61 I played and always was #7 He when we always meet would say Louie 7
Richard McHugh
October 21, 2021
In the mid 1960’s, Rod appeared on Wonderama WNEW TV with Sonny Fox. A very nice man. So talented on so many fronts. An Icon is lost. He2s a frequent guest on Regis Philbin’s Morning Show WABC TV.
eileen mcguiness
September 16, 2021
I met Rod in 1970 at ILVagabindo the place they went after every game,he was kind and sweet and made me feel very welcome,he is the reason I love Hockey to this day,my girlfriends and I called him Poopsie a term of endearment I assure you.RIP Dear Poopsie
John Moon
September 15, 2021
Rod Gilbert was my favorite NY Ranger. He was phenomenal in 1972=againstbthevRussian team. He played right wing first with Phil Goyette and Camille the eel Henry. Later on he played with Jean Ratelle & Vic Hadfieldvasvthevgormedbthebgoal a game line, he learned to play the right point on the power play from bpm boom geofrion &/Bobby Rousseau both from the Montreal canadiens & then to the NY Rangers. I will miss you Rod.
Sincerely,
John Moon
Alice London
September 14, 2021
So sorry to learn of Rod’s passing. I was a big fan of his and the rest of the GAG line of the Rangers. His style on the ice provided much joy.❤
Peter Fox Fox
September 8, 2021
Rod Gilbert was the reason that I picked up a hockey stick and tried to have a hockey career. He played the game the way it was meant to be played,-fast, hard and clean. He was graceful and artistic on the ice, but could also be tough when necessary.
He was also a role model off the ice. He was kind, generous, and welcoming. His Christian faith was evident in everything he did. I will miss his presence in our world. Thank you and Rest In Peace, Rod Gilbert.
Steve Habib
September 8, 2021
Too All my Fellow Ranger Fans.
I watched the GAG Line in person as a kid.
Rod Gilbert will always be the Complete Ranger. I hope the New York Ranger Organization will make a Extremely Large Bronze Statue of ROD GILBERT . Displaying it where everyone have no Choice too See it
I understood the Bobby Orr type of great Hockey Stars. Please make it of ROD !!!! THANK YOU.
September 8, 2021
My uncle served Mr Gilbert at the Gristedes under the 59th St Bridge. He told me one of the nicest customers he ever encountered. My love for #7 is tremendous and being a die hard NYR fan I use Hot Rod info for my financial passwords. RIP
Michael Bebon
September 8, 2021
This year my dad and I are celebrated our 50th year has ranger tkt holders. We saw Rod play hundreds and hundreds of games. We know rod, Brad rod selling, Hadfield, messier,, Leitch, Adam Graves and many more rangers personally over all those years.
Rod was special. Every time I saw him at the garden he yelled out "Bebon, Bebon, Bebon", in that French a accent and then everyone looked at rod them me. We would then catch up and then go our way. If I happened to be with clients they were in awe that I knew Rod well over to years.
My 85 yr old dad called me the day rod died and told his proudest memory of rod wasn't all the goals and assists but when we were leaving a game and we were at the top of the escalators and Rod was coming up on the other one and he saw me from 20 ft away, and, of course, he yelled "Bebon, Bebon, Bebon" in his French NY accent.
Rod's gift to me, my dad and the rest of New Yorkers was that he made us all feel so special.
Miss will miss you at every ranger forever.
Bebz
Michael Feldman
September 8, 2021
Rod Gilbert was a NYC icon! A great player snd s most gracious person! I took a pic with him at Rangers opening night Blue Carpet event! God bles him!
william horn
September 8, 2021
My thoughts are with his wife and his family. Rod was a huge part of why im a ranger fan since 1967, in my eyes you were the best # 7 in new york , rest in peace the prince of new york
Frank Tulumello
September 8, 2021
My childhood idol of the 60s is gone. Rod, you were an amazing person and amazing hockey player. It's hard to watch you go and know I'll not run into you at the garden ever again. You loved the Rangers and NY and the fans loved you right back. We're going to miss you dearly Rod. My condolences and prayers to your family. Respectfully
Frank Tulumello
Marc de Foy
September 7, 2021
My thoughts are with his wife and his family. Rod lived a full life. I had the chance to interview him couple of time and he was great me for the newspaper man I am. You won’t be forgotten, Rod.
Mes pensées accompagnent les membres de sa famille. Rod a vécu sa vie pleinement. J’ai eu la chance de l’interviewer à quelques occasions dans mon travail de journaliste et il était généreux dans ses propos et commentaires. Fais un beau voyage, Rod.
Philip Celentano
September 7, 2021
Rod was the reason I fell in love with the game of hockey and the New York Rangers. A big piece of my childhood passed with him. Rest in peace.
Bobby Smith
September 4, 2021
Rod would stop by the restaurant where I was tending bar before Ranger games. What amazed me about this true gentleman and all time great Ranger, was his humble nature. He would never introduce himself as Rod Gilbert, but simply as Rod. I did not see him for over seven years, and as I was crossing 7th Avenue, he came running up to me to say hello and we talked for several minutes. May you rest in peace, Rod, you truly were a munificent, kind and genuine man.
Jacques Caron
September 1, 2021
Was a great person and a good friend will be miss
john smith
September 1, 2021
I met Rocky in 1972 at the Garden with my late Dad and Cousin Richie who worked for the Rangers in the lockeroom. He and Brad Park signed their book called Play the Man to me that I still have. Emile Francis thought he was signing to my Cousin and wrote to Richie, the very best, Emile Francis. I was 10 and intimidated meeting the Rangers the first time and Rod couldn't be nicer. I remember hearing his accent and Jean Ratelle and thought wow. Years later in 1979 my Dad and I were at our seats in Section 20 at center ice across from the Rangers bench and we were in row 4 and all of a sudden here came Rod and his first wife Judy. They sat down to enjoy the game and we didn't want to be pests. Suddenly Rod stood up, turned around and recognized us and came over to say hello. The floodgates were opened and he spent the rest of the game signing autographs. We felt bad for him and Judy and the only good news was we were behind him and with an excuse me were able to get up for food or the bathroom.
RIP Rocky, Mr. Ranger!
Jack Smith
Marg Cockburn
August 31, 2021
I was a Rod Gilbert fan since the start of his career. I remember going to New York for the first time when I was 16 and the first place on my list of things to do was to go to Madison Square, Garden. He came to Toronto one summer to play in a charity golf tournament and I followed him around the course for 18 holes but sadly I was too shy to speak to him. I will always regret not having the nerve to ask for a picture with him but I still have all those memories. He was a huge part of my growing up and he will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Randy Mailman
August 31, 2021
Rod Gilbert had a major impact on every Ranger fan! Sincere Condolences to the entire Gilbert family. His adopted city of New York will never forget him and thank him for his many charitable efforts. R.I.P.
August 30, 2021
My condolences.
A J Rand
August 30, 2021
I began watching the NY Rangers in 1967. I was just a young kid, but I began to notice Rod and his playing style. He became my favorite Ranger. In 1992 my wife bought me an official NY Rangers white home jersey from Cosby's carrying Rod's name and #7 sewn on the back. I've worn it and will continue to wear it to every Ranger game I attend at the Garden. I met him once on the platform at Penn Station while coming home from work and he was very accommodating, talking hockey and the NY Rangers. Rod will be missed but his memory will live forever. Condolences to Rod's family.
Susan Molinelli
August 29, 2021
I began watching hockey in 1973 and was fortunate to have become a New York Rangers fan while Rod Gilbert was still playing hockey. He was known as a "class act" on and off the ice. It is appropriate that he was the first New York Rangers player to have his number retired. He will live on forever and will never be forgotten. My condolences to Rod's family and friends who were lucky enough to know him personally.
August 28, 2021
I enjoyed watching the Rangers practice @ skate land in new Hyde park on Long Island.Rod took a slap shot @ me to get my attention which he did. I will miss you rod
RALPH ABBATE
August 28, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
John moon
August 27, 2021
Rod Gilbert & the Rangers practiced @ skate land in New Hyde park on Long Island. Rod shot @ me to get my attention as I was behind a chain link fence. He most certainly did. He first played with Phil Goyette & Camille the eel Henry then Jean Ratelle & Vic Hadfield to form the goal a game line. I will always miss Rod Gilbert
Eugene Mchale
August 27, 2021
A devoted family friend,one of my dad's great friends and a man I had the pleasure to know personally.I guess god needed a right-winger and he got one of the best.Our thoughts and prayers to his family.RIP,the McHale's miss your smile,kind heartedness,french-canadian English and easy-going matter.An honor to have known you and my dad will see you on the 19th hole.The McHale Family.
Odette Wells
August 27, 2021
Condolences to the family. Seek comfort in the loyal love of your creator. May you keep strong
Stewart Lieberman
August 26, 2021
In my 70 years as a Ranger's fan you are and always will be my favorite Ranger.
Maryann Gonzalez
August 26, 2021
In the 1970’s I was a Bruin fan but I liked Rod Gilbert and Brad Park of the Rangers and my mother and brother were Rangers fans and I remember them telling me if you like Gilbert and Park you have to become a Ranger fan so I did all I could say watching Brad and Rod was great Thank you Mr Gilbert for being a great Ranger May you Rest In Peace
RAy Mc
August 26, 2021
Rod was so warm and friendly to our family at first responders night. We will always remember his laughter and kindness
Brian Harrington
August 26, 2021
Gracious human being. Made me proud to be a New York Rangers fan. Class act. Peak member of the NY Rangers family. And a True Blue New Yorker.
Bill Jennings
August 26, 2021
Many great men and players have worn the Ranger Blue, but Rod made all Ranger fans and his fellow New Yorkers proud. He stood out in very lofty company , both on and off the ice.
He exemplified hockey at its best and his humanitarian work touched many beyond the rink . I will, and NY will miss him terribly. Rest Peacefully Rod
David Burns
August 25, 2021
What a great and classy player he was. I grew up a die hard Bruins fan in the 1960s and 1970s and remember the 1972 Stanley Cup Finals, and, also the following year. I always wished that the Bruins could find a way to acquire him. I have nothing but admiration for this man.
May He Rest In Peace.
Maryann D. Gonzalez
August 25, 2021
I want to say as a Ranger fan thanks Rod for all of the good memories You were a great player and a great person Rod wore number 7 but you will be always number 1 to the Rangers fan My prayers are with you and your family
Pete Galindo
August 25, 2021
Been a pleasure to meet and become a friend of Rod at NY Rangers games with Joe Sinclair and socializing at Suspender’s NYC and other Manhattan restaurants. Thank you Rod for all the happiness and kindness to all. God Bless.
Larry Kirsch
August 25, 2021
May he Rest In Peace
A great guy
Chris Perry
August 25, 2021
Godspeed Rod! You will forever be remembered as "Mr. Ranger" and deservedly so. You represented the best of what an athlete can be in New York City. After your retirement you represented the best of what a human could be in your tireless efforts for charities and other works. You always had a smile. Always ready to greet a fan as if they were a long lost friend. For that, we will treasure you always. Your #7 will proudly wave in the rafters of MSG as an enduring legacy of the Greatest Ranger Of Them All. Deepest condolences to your family who have lost such a great man. We hope your legacy, and the outpouring of love from Rangers fans, helps to ease their pain of loss.
Nicholas Lanna
August 25, 2021
Thanks for being a great guy, a great player, and a great Ranger, Rod. I'll miss you.
JE Sowell
August 25, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Mr.Gilbert will be remembered. Please accept my sincere condolences.
August 25, 2021
Sincere sympathies to the Gilbert family, may God be with all of as you endure your time of loss.
August 25, 2021
My condolences for your loss. May God comfort you and your family in your time of grief.
Robert J Hollis
August 25, 2021
RIP Rod Gilbert: Classy HHoFer, all time Rangers points leader and key presence in the 1972 Canada-Russia Summit Series. I grew up watching you play for the Guelph Biltmores in the Ontario Hockey League.
John Moe
August 25, 2021
To the Gilbert Family , I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my childhood hero/idol Rod Gilbert. May God bless all of you and give all of Rod's family and friends his peace , strength and comfort during this most difficult time. I will always cherish and remember the day when Rod came to our office to talk , sign autographs and take pictures with just a few of the beloved Ranger fans (Rod came to our office courtesy of my former colleague Rod's brother Andre) Rod stayed a good 2 to 3 hours entertaining the crowd that gathered in the office (what a day , what a memory). Another story about Rod as I mentioned he was my childhood hero/idol but he was also my brother Bobby's fiance Anne's favorite Ranger (for other reasons than hockey , like many women she thought Rod was so handsome and good looking). Bobby and Anne were going to be married in May 1976 and Anne wanted to send Rod an invitation to the wedding which she did , Anne's brother Mike knew a friend who installed or was going to be installing cable in Rod's apartment in Manhattan. This gentlemen was able to get the invitation to Rod who replied that he was very flattered to have been invited to the wedding but would be unable to attend. Rod also said in his reply that he would like to get together with Anne and Bobby for a drink after one of the games the next season , so after the game that was agreed to Bobby and Anne went down to Charley O's which was a madhouse and packed with people , Bobby and Anne waited for about an hour or so in the bar area with NO sign of Rod they eventually left thinking something must have come up for him not to make it. However they found out later that Rod was there at Charley O's but he was sitting at a table in the restaurant section with another player (I think it may have been Pete Stemkowski) Rod was not only going to have a drink with them but he was going to buy Bobby and Anne dinner (Bobby and Anne were never able to reschedule another date , so sad). Rod was a CLASS ACT ALL THE WAY. ROD RIP # 7 once again my thoughts and prayers go out to Rod's family and friends may God give you his comfort and strength during this difficult time.
REST IN PEACE ROD "The Great # 7"
Well done Rod you were a Good and Faithful servant who touched many lives.
God Peace be with you all ,
John M.
(Friend and former work colleague of Rod's brother Andre)
christopher j pohner
August 25, 2021
growing as a bruins fan, Mr Gilbert broke our hearts many times but always with class, RIP MR Ranger
Elizabeth Pitcher (LoBianco)
August 24, 2021
Dear Sweet Judy and family, I am so saddened to hear of Rod’s passing. He was an incredible man, so full of love and life and boy, did he live a full one. With you at his side Judy- the two of your brought brightness, joy and love to everyone who met. I am honored to have been such a part of your lives. From our dinner nights together at Rao’s with Sonny and Chris to the many wonderful golf tournaments and trips we took together. Years go by, but memories always stay. May Rod skate now with the Angels until we all meet again. God Bless you all ❤
August 24, 2021
Watched him in Guelph. Always a star!
Chris Della Bella
August 24, 2021
Rod was not only a hockey legend, but more importantly he was an honest to God fun guy who loved life and the NY Rangers and their fans. First time I met him was at his book signing at Herman’s Sporting Goods (1968?) and the last time was on an escalator at MSG. What a delightful man. Thanks for all the memories, Mr. Gilbert. Rest In Peace
Ed Fisher
August 24, 2021
Early in his Rangers career, he coached in their summer hockey school up on the top floor of the old MSG. I had no talent and he was already a star. He came down right wing on me on a one on one, executed a quick dribble and move, and, miracle of miracles, I stuffed it. We stopped in our tracks and exchanged laughing looks of, "I can't believe you/I did that!" But most striking, no annoyance at being stopped by a kid with no talent -- he just enjoyed my accomplishment with and for me. Early on, the generosity of spirit was much in evidence.
August 24, 2021
He was my favorite player growing up.
Always loved watching him play.
He will be missed.
Steven
Edward Quackenbush
August 24, 2021
To Andre, Rod’s brother, I am so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. Please offer my wife and I’s deepest condolences to Rod’s family. I’ll keep him in my prayers. Your friend Ed Quackenbush.
Ralph Johnson
August 24, 2021
You were my favorite and hero from the first time I saw you and nothing has changed even though I’m now 64. You were a class act, always making time for others. May you Rest In Peace. God bless you and thank you for giving me so much joy and a role model to emulate as I grew into an adult
August 24, 2021
Rod Gilbert was my childhood idol! To the Gilbert family, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with during this difficult time.
BILLY Benden
August 24, 2021
Thanks for the memories! A Ranger till the End....
August 24, 2021
Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult time.
Rod was a great player and even a greater person, an honor to get to play with and become a friend. Miss you, my friend, Joe Sinclair
Joe Sinclair
August 23, 2021
Rod was a great hockey player, but an even greater person. Has been an honor to play with you and become a friend. You’ll be greatly missed, my friend. Joe Sinclair
robert basso
August 23, 2021
Rod treated everyone like they were his best friend...including me. I was so honored to know him and always felt special in his company. He was a spokesman for us at Sony and I was so impressed to see how much the NY fans adored him...perhaps because he loved them just as much.
August 23, 2021
Rod not only made it big in New York, but he also made an enormous impact on the game of hockey during his time in the NHL. A true superstar, who was beloved and well-respected on and off the ice. RIP.
Nick Nicholasn
August 23, 2021
I’m an equinox friend. Yeah always a smile and a good mini conversation. Missing you Rod
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