John Richard Gilman

John R. Gilman, Naples, FL
John (Jack) Gilman died suddenly, but peacefully, Thursday, December 8th. He
was 91.
He was born in Massachusetts, attended Rivers Country Day School, graduated
from Harvard, class of 1946, and then joined the Navy. After the Navy he studied
astrophysics, his big love, at Georgetown University. But soon reality hit home
and he had to give up astrophysics to earn a living - which he did very well as
technical director and advertising director of Breck Shampoo. When they were
bought out he acquired his own business, which he took from a small company to
a successful venture in precision laboratory instruments.
At the age of 54 he returned to the New York University to get his MSW in
psychiatric social work. For the next fifteen years he helped mid-level executives
understand themselves and find the right job so that they could be most
productive. In 1985 he moved full-time to his summer home in Rhode Island,
working as a management consultant.
Jack retired to Naples, Florida in 1994, spending summer months in Belfast
Maine, where he pursued a life-long avocational interest in the arts. He wrote a
number a short musical compositions and poems, and completed over 100
sculptures and ink wash drawings. Jack showed is work at several galleries in
Florida and New England.
Jack served on the board of trustees of the Augustus St. Gaudens Memorial in
Cornish, NH for over 25 years, serving two years as President. As such, Jack
was involved in the restoration of the General Sherman statue located outside
the Plaza Hotel in New York City. He was also involved in the restoration of the
The Robert Gould Shaw and Massachusetts 54th Regiment Memorial, located
across Beacon Street from the Massachusetts State House.
He was a loving husband and father, and a fierce and loyal friend.
He is survived by his wife, Julia Streeter Gilman.
His son Colonel Derek Gilman and his wife, Desiree.
His grandson Julian Furletti-Gilman.
His daughter, Streeter Holden and her husband, David Holden.
And his sister, Philomene McGourty.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to
PBS via WGCU Public Media at wgcu.org
Planned Parenthood Naples, 1425 Creech Rd.,Naples 34103
or a charity of your choice.
Memorial service to be held at a later date, yet to be announced.
For online condolences, please visit fullernaples.com.
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