Walter Gilb

Walter "Jerry" Gilb was born on September 16,1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Walter A. & Virginia Gilb. In the mid 1940's The Gilb family relocated to San Diego,Ca from Ohio. Jerry spent most of his childhood and teen years growing up in La Mesa. He spent his time building go-karts and delivering papers with his twin brother Tom, while eating day old donuts on Saturday mornings from the local bakery on La Mesa Boulevard. He was an Automotive student at Grossmont High School which continued to fuel his love for all things fast. After graduation, Jerry proudly enlisted in the Army Reserves. On his way home from one of his training exercises in Central California, Jerry met the love of his life Carolynn on a Greyhound bus bound for their home town of San Diego. They spent the rest of the bus trip talking and laughing, where he promptly asked Carolynn out on their first date. They married in 1965 and built their dream home in El Cajon, California. It's here they raised two beautiful children, Todd and Krista.

Jerry held many Jobs in the Automotive industry, but his proudest moments were working with his high school best friend Harry Jackman at Jackman Wheels.

In retirement, Jerry and Carolynn could be found almost every weekend traveling from car show to car show across the Southwest in their 1955 Chevy he restored himself. He was an active member of the Chiefs Car Club in San Diego.

When Jerry wasn't at a car show, he could be found spending time in the airplane hangers at Gillespie Field, working in his backyard and garage, or spending time with his family and grandchildren.

After a sudden and unexpected illness Jerry passed on October 24th, 2024 at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego with his son by his side holding his hand.

Jerry is survived by his wonderful wife Carolynn Chartier Gilb, Son Todd Gilb, Daughter Krista Gilb and his four beautiful grandchildren (Cassidy Gilb, David Martindale, Kelsie Gilb-Musgrave and Cydney Martindale). As well as his twin brother Tom Gilb, and sisters Carol Massey and Marlene Carroll.

He will be remembered by all for his stories, infectious smile, laugh, and being an all around "really nice guy."

Jerry's wish was to have his remains placed at Holy Cross Cemetery in San Diego where his Parents Walter & Virginia and in-laws, Russell & Martha Chartier, are buried.

As a memorial for Jerry, There will be a Funeral Mass held on December 13th, 2024 at Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Lakeside, Ca. at 10:00am with a reception to immediately follow at the OLPH reception hall.