Gilbert Jacobs

Fr. Jacobs took the time to meet with me one on one in the weeknight evenings to help me through the process of converting to Catholicism. I always knew his schedule was more hectic than mine yet he found the time to do this for me. I learned so much and will forever be grateful for this great teacher and kind man. You will be missed but forever remembered Fr. Jacobs. May you rest in eternal peace.

(I wrote a message yesterday but somehow it disappeared.) I got to know Fr. Gilbert Jacobs when Fr. Pius Yobuta, Uganda, came to the Diocese under the Missionary program. Fr. Gilbert was so kind and thoughtful. I am very grateful to have known him.

So sorry to hear of Fr. passing away. When I was at St. Willy's in 1982 he took me on a tour of 16 states. I will offer up a mass for him.

One of the kindness of all men I knew when I was a member of the Norbertine community during the late forties. I'm sure he will be missed.

Fr.Jacobs looks almost the same in this photo as he did when he taught me French and Latin at Archmere '58-'62. He was a major positive influence and role model for the students of my era. I was disappointed that his Archmere service wasn't mentioned in his obit, because for so many of us freshmen, who were somewhat awed by our new Archmere surroundings, it was Fr. Jacobs who made us feel individual and an immediate part of that brotherhood. He became a trusted friend, a role model, a motivator, as well as our teacher. Thank you, Fr. Jacobs. Tom Lewis/TGLIII '62, Somerset Lake, PA

FATHER JACOBS WAS A GREAT SPIRITUAL LEADER AT ST WENDELS IN CLEVELAND DURING SOME CHANGING TIMES. MAY GOD BLESS HIM.

Father Jacobs was an excellent teacher and a great person. For me, Father made French enjoyable; and he connected both Latin and French to the English language, making me a better reader, speaker, and writer. Father Jacobs accomplished this and so much more. His sincere desire to help others always surfaced when he interacted with them. Everyone will miss his wisdom and his dry wit. Rest in Peace, Father.
Bob Lewis '64

I will not forget Rev Gilbert H. Jacobs for helping in the formation of future priests in the Minor Seminary in Arua Diocese all the years I was the Rector. When I was appointed a Pastor in a new Parish now even when he was ill he prayed for my new work. May God reward him in heaven.
Fr Pius Yobuta
St Charles Lwanga Parish
Arua Diocese
Uganda.

I remember Fr. Jacobs fondly, having grown up with him in my life ever since I can remember. He was my Mother's cousin, and he was always kind spoken and quick with a hug. I was so very glad to see him last year at my Father's wake. He is now reunited with my parents, and his Heavenly Father. Rest in Peace Fr. Jacobs.

Fr. Jacobs, I will forever cherish the last conversation I had with you in the parking lot at the Abbey. Thanks for being a blessing to others, and to me!

Fr. Jacobs was an outstanding teacher who set the tone and the settings for his students to learn. The APHS Squire Nation mourns his loss. "Repose En Paix, Pere Gilbert". Jim Zegers, Madison, APHS'68

Father Jacobs was a special man who deeply touched my life and those of many other students at Abbot Pennings. He had a serious side that was focused on pushing us to maximize our potential as students and young men, but also a caring and compassionate side that helped us deal appropriately with the challenges of life. He often surprised us with his good sense of humor. Most of all he was a true man of God. Thank you Father Jacobs!

Vivat in Aeternum Father Gilbert.

I had Father Jacobs for French one year at Archmere in the early 60's. He was fairly short, dark hair, with a fair amount of nervous energy. Briefcase in hand, he would rush off after class, taking the Claymont train to the Philadelphia area for graduate studies. When people would chatter noisily in his class, he would say with some irritation: "You people are like vaches (cows). They just let it all go in the field." A remark at the time that I found quite funny.

Notwithstanding his relative youth at the time - Father Jacobs was only ten years our senior - he was well received and admired especially by the Class of 1957 for his dedication to his teaching responsibilities, together with his ministry as a member of the Norbertine community. As a mostly relatively quiet person Father Jacob led by example. His sense of humor, although very subtle, bolstered our desire to learn. May Father Jacobs enjoy fully his eternal life.

When he taught us Freshman Latin at Archmere, it was one of the most important courses we had because he was actually teaching us how the Romans thought, how languages were created and how to think on our own. A great techer.

I knew Father Jacobs as a young priest and teacher still in his twenties. He was serious, tolerant and dedicated. He was always a gentleman with a good sense of humor despite the fact that he looked more like an older brother rather than a teacher. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of having him as a mentor.
Anthony Dougherty, Archmere '58

Father Jacobs was one of my best teachers at Archmere. He taught so well that I aced Latin every year - quite an accomplishment since my entrance exams to Archmere, LaSalle and St. Joe's said that I didn't have enough formal grounding in English to ever succeed at Latin. Father didn't believe it. He helped me learn Latin and thus master English. He made it possible for me to accomplish my dreams because as a Special Events Producer and Magician, writing is a very important part of everything I do. God bless Father Jacobs.

A wonderful teacher. Had him for French at Archmere. My deepest respect and condolences to the family,the Archmere community, and the Norbertines.

Father Jacobs taught us French at Archmere in 1965/66. He was a good teacher and a good man.

Father Jacobs will deeply missed. We worked with him at Abbot Pennings High School and St Joseph Parish. May he rest in peace. Bill & Lee Hein, La Follette, TN

What a great man,great memories of our principal at APHS,will be sadly missed!

Dear Members of the Norbertine Community,
I am so sorry for the loss of Fr. Gilbert. He surely will be missed.

We at St. Francis Convent Motherhouse appreciated his coming on many Mondays in the past to celebrate Liturgy with us. We will miss his "homework" that he would bring to us on a regular basis.

May Fr. Gilbert enjoy his Heavenly Reward!

With deepest sympathy and prayers,
Sr. Barb Schmidt