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Robert Gilbert Obituary
Robert J. Bob Gilbert, 66 Years of Whitehall Twp., passed away suddenly on Sunday evening September 12, 2010 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Twp. The husband of Rose Mary (Brosky) Gilbert for 41 years, Bob was born in Allentown to the late Robert H. and Ann (Milas) Gilbert. A graduate of William Allen High School in 1961, Bob entered the Marine Corps. where he attended Platoon Leaders School and also played basketball. After being discharged in 1965, he was a member of the Freemansburg Reserve Unit, and went on to attend Penn State Ogontz Campus. He was a graduate of Kutztown University with his B.S. and M.Ed in Elementary education, and was also a Lehigh University graduate with his M.Ed in Administration/Supervision, receiving his elementary and secondary Principals certificate. A popular Teacher, Elementary Principal, High School Assistant Principal and College Professor, he served the Allentown and Whitehall-Coplay School Districts, St. Joseph the Worker School, Kutztown and DeSales Universities. He currently was a driver education instructor for the Carbon-Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21. Bob was a member of the National Education Assoc., the PA Secondary Principals Assoc., PSEA and the PA Elementary Principals Assoc. Bob was a well known Football and basketball Coach throughout the Lehigh Valley and Montgomery County for over 37 years, mostly serving as Head Junior Varsity Coach or Assistant Varsity Coach. A part of fifteen championship teams, he was a mentor to thousands of athletes, many of which went on to be coaches themselves, and always looked to Bob for advice and wisdom. He was a member of the PIAA Basketball Assoc., the ASD Coaches Assoc. and the Blue and Gold Athletic Assoc. of the U.S. Naval Academy. Survivors: Alongside his Wife is a daughter, former Marine Captain Janine Lyn, wife of CDR Christopher G. Bailey, USN of California, both graduates of the US Naval Academy. They have two children Andrew and Alexandra who were cherished by their Pop Pop. Services: His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday September 17, 2010 in St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, 1879 Applewood Dr. Orefield, PA with Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Wargo as the Celebrant. His viewings will be 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 to 10:45 a.m. Friday both in the Church Foyer. Interment will follow with Military Honors in St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Cemetery, Whitehall. Contributions: Are strongly suggested to the St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church Memorial Fund, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield, PA 18069-9507. The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall is honored to handle his arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gilbert
Anne Brown
September 23, 2010
It was such an unexpected loss to hear of Bobby's passing, RoseMary......... I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.... Anne Brown
September 21, 2010
Rosemary,Janine and family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. I felt like I knew him and his family. Rosemary spoke of him,"Bobby" and Janine the 5 years that I worked 3-11 with Rosemary on W1 at 17 th and Chew St. He was her life. Words can't express the loss that you are all feeling now but remember the good times. His memories will live in your hearts forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Deborah Zwarycz Nenow,Bill and Trey
Palmerton, PA
Mike Siegfried
September 20, 2010
Janine and family -
It saddens me to hear about the death of Bob. I always liked him and respected him. I know my mom worked with him for many years. My prayers are with you.
Mike Siegfried
Nancy Thatcher
September 19, 2010
To the Gilbert Family:
I knew Bob from his years at Whitehall HS, where I taught. He had a very active life and touched many people. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sandy Kentner
September 19, 2010
Rosemary, So sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your beloved husband. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
nancy kelley
September 18, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of Bob's death. He was a wonderful man, an innovative and inspiring 4th grade teacher at St Joseph the Worker school, and such a wonderful role model to my son Patrick who was lucky enough to be in his class ten years ago. I'll never forget how Bob motivated Patrick to become the "Student of the Month" or the day he came running off the school bus with that trophy. Ironically I just spoke with Mr. Gilbert only a few weeks ago - it had been many years since I'd last seen him. I'm so grateful now that I had the opportunity to tell him these things, and to let him know how much he meant to us.
Richard Bodner
September 17, 2010
My condolences to the entire Gilbert family at this sad time.Bob and I were related on his mother`s side (Milas) He was my second cousin. He was taken all too soon!May god bless him.
Dick Bodner
September 17, 2010
To the family of Bob Gilbert,
Many years ago Bob student taught with me in Parkland. He was a great young man. Although I haven't seen him in many years, I'm saddened to hear of his untimely passing. My condolences to the family.
Joe Altieri
Gary Plessl
September 17, 2010
Rose Mary and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of "Bobby's" passing. He was a great person and I was privileged to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the Holy Spirit give you the strength to endure at this time of grief.
Carol Raber
September 17, 2010
Coach Gilbert:
Thank you for being such a wonderful role model and exceptional person. You made a huge impact on my sons while they played basketball at Whitehall High School. You were always such a joy to talk with and you left a positive and lasting impression on so many people in the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas. The world needs more good men like you.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
September 17, 2010
God Bless Mr Gilberts family and loved ones~
Patricia Mengel
September 17, 2010
coach gilbert was one of my favorite coaches...i will take many of the things i learned from him and try to pass them on to my sons..
i will miss seeing him at games
greg spang
September 17, 2010
Robert was one of my favorite customers at the pharmacy. He was always so grateful for helping him out and answering any questions he had. He will definately be missed. My thoughts and prayers are sincerely with you Rosemary.
With Love, Lauren Grantz (from Health Spectrum)
Pam Sellars
September 17, 2010
Dear Rose Mary and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you comfort as you celebrate Bob's life and priceless memories.
September 16, 2010
Mr. Gilbert was an assistant principal at Whitehall High School in the late 80's. I was a good student, but he had to do his duty and grant me detention on two occasions for tardiness. He was fair; he knew I was not a "problem student" and worked around my out of school extra cirrucular activity of being a student dance teacher and assigned me detention days that would not interfere with my teaching. I never forgot that. I was sorry to hear of his sudden passing and the family is in my thoughts during this difficult time. Please accept my condolences.
Jon Moyer
September 16, 2010
Mrs. Gilbert and Family,
To my teammates and I, Coach Gilbert was more than a coach. He was an mentor, father figure, advisor, teacher, school administrator, friend, teammate, etc. In any given moment, he knew which guy you needed him to be. He was our coach on the court, but he used sport to teach us life's lessons so we could be successful off the court. His best lesson of all may have been "lead by example."
God bless you and your entire family.
Sheila Brown
September 16, 2010
Rose Mary and family,
I was sorry to hear of your sudden loss.
I did not know your husband, but remember you fondly when we worked together
Please accept my sincere condolences
C Orsini
September 16, 2010
Mr. Gilbert was my 4th grade teacher at St. Joseph the Worker School many years ago. I'll never forget playing basketball as a way to teach us our spelling words (and the teams being the "army" and "navy"). The trophy he gave me for student of the month has been sitting on my desk since 4th grade, and it will continue to serve as an excellent reminder of one of the best teachers I have ever had. My condolences go out to his family and friends.
September 16, 2010
Dear Rose mary and family,
My thouhts and prayers are with you at this sad time in your lives.
Mrs. Phyllis Sass
Mark Thomas
September 16, 2010
To the family of Bob Gilbert,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the lost of your loved one. I hope you find comfort and strength as you go through this difficult time.
I moved to Allentown in 1968 and started in Mr. Gilbert's 4th Grade class at Mosser Elementary. We crossed paths several times over the years and he always had nice and encouraging words for me. I last saw him about 10 years ago when my daughter was in his Drivers Ed class. She couldn't believe that after all these years, he recognized me immediately and called me by name.
I owe him a debt of gratitude for his part in teaching me and making me the person I am today. It's because of teachers like him that I hold the profession in such high regard to this day.
Amylyn Kelly (Witek)
September 16, 2010
Rosemary and Janine,
Sorry to hear about your loss. Your Husband/Dad was a great man, who always put his family first. Remember the wonderful times you shared, they will help you find comfort (someday). We will miss him and you both are in my thoughts...
Love,
Frisha Johnson
September 16, 2010
Dear Rose Mary, Janine and Family,
I had the priviledge of hiring Bob at St. Joseph the Worker School to be a fourth grade teacher when the school opened in 1997. He was an excellent teacher, role model and became a good friend over the years. I know he is playing basketball and getting the angels in line up in heaven. He will be greatly missed. You all are in my prayers
Kate Janis
September 16, 2010
It saddened me to hear of Bob's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I taught with Bob at St. Joseph the Worker many years ago. I always enjoyed running into him and hearing about his wonderful grandchildren, he would burst with pride. He was an excellent teacher and a very proud father and grandfather. May the angels greet him as he enters heaven.
Chris Raber
September 16, 2010
The Gilbert Family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. There are some coaches along the way that leave a lasting impression on you. Coach Gilbert was one of those coaches. His knowledge, passion, discipline and committment for the game of basketball was incredible. I will never forget him pulling me aside and telling me "To play every game like it was my last".. well nearly 10 years later I was still playing games like they would be my last. Coach Gilbert will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Renee' Pretz
September 16, 2010
Dear Rosemary, and family , God Bless you in your time of need, you are in my thoughts and prayers, I didnt know Bob, but it sounds like he was a wonderful man, he will be missed , but never forgoten, if you need anything, iam here, God Bless, Renee' Pretz.
Michael Felegy
September 16, 2010
Rose Mary , Janine and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
May all your wonderful memories and the support of family and friends comfort you at this time.
Cousin Michael and Felegy Family
Thomas A. Ortwein
September 16, 2010
The Gilbert Family,
Please accept my most sincere sympathy with the passing of Bob. I have not known Bob that long, but did have the opportunity to work with him as a substitute principal at WHS. When he left WHS I filled in for him. I enjoyed his friendship because we had many common interests.He will be missed by those who knew him. Distance does not allow ny attending his funeral but I will remember him in my prayers.
Ivanna Gibbard
September 16, 2010
Dear Rose Mary and family, Both Bill and I wish to extend to you our deepest condolences. Bill knew Bob from his years at South Mountain, and my daughter Katie {Clauss} Bustard knew him as well as your daughter from Whitehall. May your faith, family and friends give you comfort during this most difficult of times. Sincerely, Ivanna and Bill Gibbard
Gene & Vincianne Kozak
September 16, 2010
Dear Rose Mary & Family,
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to you on the loss of "your Bobby." Words cannot describe the shock we realized when we saw the very fitting obituary in the paper. We met you as "newly-wed neighbors" in Congress apartments and always enjoyed our meetings over the past 40+ years. You and Bob were always a very special couple who, as individuals, and as a couple brought a sense of dignity and respect to any personal, professional, or social encounter. May you be blessed with strength at this difficult time. Please know that you are surrounded by friends who care and will always be there for you. God bless all of you, and may Bob enjoy the eternal peace and happiness he is so deserving of. Our love to you all.
September 16, 2010
Rose Mary, Janine and family,
Our whole family is so sorry to hear what has happened to Bob. Our thoughts are with you at this time
The Gibisers
Laura (Jany) Klucharich
September 16, 2010
Dear Janine, Mrs. Gilbert and Family,
Sending my deepest sympathies for your sad loss. Janine, your father was an incredible man and through our times together in swimming, it was so clear how proud he was of you. May God give you all strength through this difficult time.
Julie Terpay
September 16, 2010
I was very upset at the loss of Bob. He was a wonderful teacher. He and I worked together at St. Joseph the Worker School for many years. We opened the school with many other wonderful teachers. My prayers are with all of you.
Liz Bartolai
September 16, 2010
Dear Mrs. Gilbert and family,
Accept my sympathies for your loss. Mr. Gilbert was a really good teacher. My children had him twice. Once in elementary school at St. Joe's and again as a driving teacher when they were teens. I couldn't have been happier with how he handled their lessons in both instances. He will be truly missed.
Terry German
September 16, 2010
Dear Rose Mary and family, Our prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of Bob. He was not only a great coach but a great person. I have wonderful memories of our Dieruff and Camp Olympic days. Bob was blessed with a highly competitive spirit and love of the game. He will be missed by many.
May God bless you and comfort you.
Love, Colleen and Terry German
vicki trexler
September 16, 2010
Dear Rosemary and family,
Deepeset sympathy for your loss. Know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. Please call if you need anything, or if there is anything I can do. Hugs to all.
Janice Snyder
September 16, 2010
Rosemary and family: our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you on the loss of Bob. "You have loved Bob/dad all your life. Do not abandon him until you have conducted him, by your prayers, into The House of The Lord. St. Ambrose Love Nin and Jive
Ted Carls
September 16, 2010
Dear Mrs. Gilbert and Family, Please accept my deepest sympathies. I knew Bob from growing up in Allentown and playing basketball at the Franklin playground.Even then, Bob was going to be successful whatever he persued. RIP teacher-coach. The young basketball players and coaches will indeed miss him.
Jeff Reinhard
September 16, 2010
My deepest condolences and sympathies for you loss. May God give you all the strength to get through your time of trouble.
Patty Barr
September 16, 2010
Gilbert Family,
Mr. Gilbert was my teacher when I attended South Mountain JR. High. He said something that stuck with me all my life. He said "Those who brag about themselves do it because they have to, those who don't have others to do it for them." I teach now and I pass those words on because they mean a great deal to me. I am so sorry for your loss. He made a difference in my life. Thank you for sharing him.
joan schultes
September 16, 2010
Dearest RoseMary,Janine, And Family,
All my thoughts & prayers are with you now & in the days ahead. May God continue to bless all of you.
September 16, 2010
Rose Mary, Janine, and Family,
My family and I want to send our deepest sympathies and let you know that you are and will be in our thoughts and prayers in the weeks to come. Bob has certainly made a positive impact in my life and I will hold on to a lot of special moments that we shared. He was a special guy, a genuine guy. The players Bob coached always respected Bob as a coach but I feel that as they grew up and matured, respected him even more as a person. I know I did.
God Bless,
Andy Stephens and Family
Cathy Miller
September 16, 2010
My Dear Rose Mary,
Words can not express the pain I am feeling for you, Janine & family at this time. "Bobby" was your world along with Janine & I know he will always be with you in spirit. It's hard to say be strong because I know the pain you are going trough at this time, but keep your faith in God & he will guide you through this time of grief. I could go on & on but I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you & I know that you have alot of people that are thinking about you at this time as that is the kind of person you are. Take care & again keep your faith in God to take you through this hard time & the times in the future. Love you.
Connie Bittner
September 16, 2010
RoseMary,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bob. I will be praying for God to give you comfort and strength and peace through the times you have to face ahead. God bless you.
September 16, 2010
RoseMary and family,
`My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, I pray for your continued strength and faith in the weeks and months to come. May you know that your faith in God will be your uppermost strength as you grieve your loss. Praying for you now and always.
God Bless, Shirley Fritz (Linda Coy's Mother)
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