Stephen James Gilbert

December 21, 1930 - May 10, 2025 With heavy and grateful hearts we announce the passing of Steve Gilbert, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. While he wore many hats: devoted son, younger brother, Marine, UCLA Bruin, native Angeleno, car aficionado, engineer, and businessman, "Papa" was the moniker that gave him the most joy.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Suzanne, three children [Gary (Gretchen) Gilbert, Jill (Christopher) Escher, Adam (Vanessa) Gilbert], eight Grandchildren [Jacob (Brit) Gilbert, Mark (Lauren) Gilbert, Evan Escher, Jonathan Escher, Simon Gilbert, Mimi Gilbert, Sophie Escher, and Dan Gilbert-Katz] and three great-grandchildren [Maren Gilbert, Ezra Gilbert, and Shiloh Gilbert].
Born to Rose and Hyman Goldberg in 1930 in Los Angeles, Steve graduated Hamilton High School in 1949 and after a stint in the Marine Corps, graduated from UCLA in 1955. He and Suzi married in 1959 and raised a family in his home town.
While Steve ran a successful fire hose coupling manufacturing business for decades, he was happiest tinkering at home or under the hood of a car which was self-fulfilling considering his affinity for European roadsters. In retirement-in addition to traveling the globe with Suzi-Steve volunteered with Brentwood Park Homeowners Association and as a Los Angeles County Fire Department Technical Advisory Group member. And while he wouldn't be caught riding a horse, he enjoyed playing cowboy with his family for twenty Father's Day weekends at Alisal Ranch.
Homebound after a string of strokes and dementia, he followed the news diligently, delighted in visits from family and friends, and never said no to deli food.
Shiva at the Gilbert home today at 3:00 pm.
While he will be missed, memories from a devoted family remain.