Gilbert Wortsmann

Califon - Gilbert Wortsmann, 98, of Bartonsville, PA, formerly of Jackson Heights, NY, devoted New York City public school teacher, driving instructor, and loving father and grandfather passed away March 27, 2025 in Califon, NJ. Gil was born April 15,1926 to Jules and Bella Wortsmann of Willamsburg, Brooklyn. Gil was on the Eastern District High School fencing squad, and while still in high school, Gil fenced for the Brooklyn College fencing squad. Gil then became captain of the Brooklyn College fencing squad while earning a bachelor's degree in teaching. He later obtained his master's degree in physical education from NYU. In addition to fencing, Gil was a reserve guard on the Brooklyn College football team. After injuring his hand in football practice, he underwent surgery in which an animal tendon was inserted near his wrist. After that, he considered himself "half man and half beast." Between college and graduate school, Gil served in the US Army Motor Corps in France and Greenland. After the Army, he taught science and physical education at a variety of New York City public schools. While teaching in public education, Gil also used his Army motor training to become a professional commercial truck driving instructor at Driver Training Institute and operated his own school to teach automobile driving. Because of his qualifications as a driving instructor, he also served as an expert witness in tractor-trailer accident lawsuits. Gil is survived by his daughter Erica (Mark) Rachlin, and sons Joel (Monica) Wortsmann, and Edward Wortsmann, his grandchildren Jessica (Mehul) Rana, Jaime Wortsmann and Jonathan Rachlin (Alexa Stutman), his sister Diana Honen, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his former wife, Barbara Wortsmann, and his daughter-in-law, Judith Wortsmann.