David Gilbert

David Norman Gilbert of Palmyra Maine, Born on March 9th, 1947, in Dexter Maine to parents Norman & Lucielle Labbe Gilbert passed peacefully surrounded by his family at Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield Maine on Wednesday August 20, 2025.

He attended Hartland Academy and graduated in the class of 1966. He then went on to serve in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict for 3 years. Upon his return stateside he attended the University of Maine Fort Kent where he received his bachelor's in education. While at UMFK he also established the "Vets Club" for other veterans returning home and too college, He also worked and enjoyed himself at BJ's Tavern in Fort Kent owned by Rita and Brian Cannan who became family.

After Graduation he moved home to Hartland and got his first teaching Job at Palmyra Consolidated School as a 4th Grade teacher in 1974 where he remained for over 30 years. In 1980 he married the Love of his life Nancy Randall Gilbert whom he meets while teaching. While at PCS he coached every sport they offered, served as Assistant Principal, taught night school GED programs for over 20 years, and became a father figure to all his students. He then moved up to the new Middle School Somerset Valley Middle School in Hartland as 6th grade teacher where he retired in 2007. While educating thousands he had many summer jobs, the one he fell most in love with was Lobstering. He and his family would relocate to Deer Isle Maine every summer where all the children anxiously awaited their turn to go fishing with Dad. As time went by and the kids moved on the fishing became less and he took jobs back serving RSU 19 as substitute teacher and most recently Van Driver. He has also enjoyed serving his community for the past several years as Selectman of Palmyra.

He was an avid sportsman who loved the outdoors and shared that love and adventure with all his children and anyone up for a ride! On his 75th Birthday his 3 children took him on a dream trip of a lifetime King Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario. They spent the week exploring their way back home and having every adventure they wanted. He loved camping and would often travel across the country with his wife and his Motor home or taking it into the woods with his grandchildren and dear family friends. His passion here in his community was The Cinco De mud hole Mud runs owned and operated by Allen Hill, Dave started serving as traffic director and eventually advanced to PIT Master, it was his favorite day of the year. Every year come December he would get that call from the "North Pole" to serve as Santa's Helper and served thousands of children both here in Maine and as far away as Catchgate England.

He is survived by His loving Wife of 45 years Nancy Randall Gilbert, his 3 Children Veronica Gilbert and her partner Derek Hanscom, Charles Gilbert and his wife Whitney, Willie Gilbert and his partner Jamie Sullivan. His Brother Daniel Gilbert and wife Sherry. He was blessed with 3 Grandchildren David Nicholson, Charlotte Nicholson, and Angilee Gilbert. He was very close with his wife's family and also survived by his in-laws Charles and wife Kathy Randall, Regina Chaisson, William and wife Christina Randall, Florence and husband Rick McWilliams. Also, very special friends of over 50 years Larry Goodrich, Chris Petersen, and Don Hill , along with numerous and loved nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his son David Clifford Gilbert, his parents, and his in laws Jane and Charles Randall, Dear cousin Michale Landry, and Special Friend Brian Cannan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Pittsfield Maine, followed by burial at Palmyra Village Cemetery with Military Honors. Following the burial there will be a public Celebration of Life on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Old Palmyra Consolidated School also known as Palmyra Community Center, 4 Madawaska Road, Palmyra, Maine, we invite you to come and celebrate this amazing man we had the absolute pleasure of living life with. Our Dear husband, father, brother, friend, teacher and fisherman will be missed forever.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the David C. Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Fund, Make Checks payable to, RSU 19 Central Office, 266 Williams Rd., Newport, Maine 04953, please include in the memo line, David C. Gilbert Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Crosby& Neal Funeral Homes & Cremation Care, 117 Main St., Newport, Maine 04953