Gilbert John Meerdter Jr.

Gilbert John Meerdter, Jr., accomplished educator, and talented artist, passed away on September 17, 2025, at his home in New Windsor, Maryland, at the age of 71, following a courageous battle with interstitial pulmonary fibrosis.

Born on Friday, November 13, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, Gil was the son of the late Ruth Anne Meerdter (nee Rumpf) and the late Gilbert John Meerdter, Sr.

Beloved husband of Lisa K. Meerdter (nee Wieman) for almost 46 years; beloved father of Joseph C. Meerdter and his wife Jessica, Sara E. Meerdter and her husband, the late Paul Lynch, and James R. Meerdter and his wife, Melissa; loving grandfather of Juliana Meerdter, Esme Lynch, Raya Lynch, and Nora Meerdter; devoted brother of Karen E. Grube and the late Thomas M. Meerdter.

Raised in Baltimore, Gil graduated from Randallstown High School in 1971. He continued his academic journey at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) before earning his bachelor's degree magna cum laude from Towson University in 1979, followed by a master's degree in 1991.

Gil's musical talent became apparent at an early age, blossoming into an impressive pianist. In 1978, he won TSU's First Annual Concerto Competition, with his performance of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the orchestra. His love for the stage extended beyond the piano bench; he founded the Liberty Showcase Theatre, where he wrote, produced and often starred in his original plays, including "A Different Shade of Black" and "At Least It's Not Monday" among others. Gil's early career found him as camera man for local TV station, WBFF, designing artwork, building props, and shooting commercials for "Ghost Host Theater."

For 36 years, Gil served as Vocal Music Teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools. His approach to education was as innovative as it was joyful-he understood that play was essential to a child's success, and he designed lessons to instruct, delight, and transform.

Combining visual arts with music, his concept of "listening maps" was copywritten and published in MacMillan Publishing's Teachers Guide for K-12 education, benefiting countless students and educators across the country.

Gil wrote curriculum for the Baltimore County school system, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Arts Excel Program, an initiative that connected the visual arts with math, science, language arts, music, movement and dance. Gil developed a program in conjunction with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, "Music for SuperKids" a summer program for underserved inner-city children. Gil wrote the Teachers' Guide for "The Firebird" a ballet and orchestral work by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky and performed by the BSO. The story and music are celebrated for its dynamic and colorful portrayal of myth, magic, and heroic triumph. Never a day passed without Gil beginning his day immersed in the piece. He loved it so much, he often gave much loved demonstrations illustrating the story using colored chalk on a large board as the music played. Children and adults alike were brought to tears with the beauty of the drawing, Gil's masterful storytelling and the hauntingly victorious music.

Gil was uniquely talented, exceptionally smart, wickedly funny, and brought love, light and laughter everywhere he went. His passion for music was best realized when he began, together with his wife and teenaged children, their family passion: The Blue Ridge Zombie Band, with Gil playing the piano, Lisa on the electric keyboard, Joseph playing lead guitar, Sara playing the bass and James playing the drums. They were happiest playing at various locations raising money for The Johns Hopkins Children's Center.

Gil drew inspiration from life's smallest moments, sharing his creativity with all who knew him. His faith was also a cornerstone of his life, and he was an active and valued member of Wakefield Valley Bible Church in New Windsor.

Friends may call at the Pritt's Funeral Home and Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster, Maryland on Thursday, September 25, from 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. A final visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, September 26, from 10AM-11AM followed by a funeral service.

Details regarding a Celebration of Gil's remarkable life will be shared with family and friends later and will be held closer to Gil's favorite holiday, Halloween.

Those who wish to honor Gil's memory are encouraged to share a story, play a favorite song, or nurture a child's creativity-living reminders of the joyful legacy he leaves behind.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com