Robert W Gilbert

Robert "Bob" Willis Gilbert, 73, of Fairfax, VA, passed away peacefully at home with his family

by his side on October 16, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Bob was born on March 7, 1952, in Harrisonburg, VA, to the late Robert and Betty Gilbert, and

settled in northern Virginia as a child. For 55 years, he was the devoted and loving husband of

Cyndy Gilbert.

Professionally, Bob had a long and celebrated 46-year career as a Cardiovascular Surgical

Assistant. His passion for excellence in surgery was his driving force. He spent 31 dedicated

years with the cardiac surgical team at Washington Hospital Center, 15 years at George

Washington University Hospital, and served several other hospitals through his company,

Cardiovascular Surgical Services Inc. He shared his knowledge and talents internationally

through the nonprofit he founded, Operation Heartbeat, traveling to China across three decades

and helping to operate on more than 2,000 patients.

Known for blaring his favorite music in the operating room, Bob brought the same energy and

joy he had for life into everything he did. He loved writing, playing, and listening to music,

especially live concerts. He was known for grilling incredible steaks, even if it meant sitting down

to dinner at 10 PM. He cherished time at the lake, particularly sunset cruises with a happy hour

drink in hand. His travels took him to favorite destinations like Las Vegas and Italy, and to visit

with the deep friendships he built in China. A devoted Washington Redskins fan, Bob was

happiest when he was telling jokes, sharing laughter, and gathering people around the table, no

matter how late the hour.

Bob's true joy was in the company of family and friends. He had a warm, selfless spirit and was

always ready with a kind word or quick joke. His fun-loving nature was anchored by immense

generosity. He was famous for befriending every bartender he met and for refusing to ever let

anyone else pay the bill. His humble, sentimental heart and unwavering loyalty brought his

community together. His family will forever cherish the "shout-outs" at holiday dinners, the good

times at the beach and lake, and his commitment to always taking the family picture. Even his

endearing forgetfulness was part of the lovable charm that will be missed immensely.

Bob's legacy of love and laughter is carried on by his wife, Cyndy; his children, Nathan (Janice)

and Katie (Greg); his grandchildren, Kelly, Mason, and Dylan; and his great-grandchild, CJ. He

is also survived by his sister, Cindy, and nieces and nephews, Ian, Shaune (Carolyn), Kyle,

Lauren, Madison, Nick, Christina, and Austin. His kindness extended far beyond blood,

embraced by countless others who lovingly called him "Uncle Bob."

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 4:00 PM to

7:00 PM at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Bob's life will also be held on Wednesday,

October 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home -9902 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032,

with Brandon Baldwin officiating. Burial will immediately follow at Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research

Hospital in Bob's memory.

Bob's family and friends will miss him dearly, but his memory will live on in every joke told, every

steak grilled, and every generous gesture. Whenever anyone needed anything, his reassuring

answer was always the same: "No problem, buddy."