Gilbert O. "Gil" Terlicher

1928 - 2018

Patriarch of the Terlicher family, Gil, passed away on Friday, June 29, 2018 at home surrounded by family and loved ones. Born September 30, 1928 in Gary, IN to first generation Italian parents, Carlo and Aurelia (nee Chiabai) Terlicher. Gil grew up in the Glen Park area of Gary, attended St. Mark's Church, and graduated from Lew Wallace High School. After working two years to save up enough money, he attended Purdue University where he received his bachelor's degree in Pharmacy while living at Delta Chi fraternity. After graduation, he joined the Marine Corp and was stationed at El Toro Base in California. One evening while returning to base, he made a wrong turn, stopped for a drink, and eventually ended up meeting the woman that would become his wife, Izzy. He and Izzy moved from California back to his hometown of Gary where he worked as a pharmacist. In September 1955 with 2 children in tow he moved to Valparaiso and purchased Meagher Drugs and changed the name to Gil Drugs. While Izzy stayed home and raised the now 4 children, Gil ran the drug store from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm by himself 7 days a week. As the children grew up, Izzy joined him working in the business as the consultant in the Cosmetic Niche. To this day Gil Drugs remains in existence and will be celebrating 63 years in September. His son, Gib, received his Doctorate of Pharmacy and continues the iconic business that his father began in 1955. Gil and Gib worked side by side in the pharmacy until a few weeks prior to Gil's passing. Gil continued his family traditions of making wine, salami, and sausage, and developed a love of cooking after his wife's passing in 1978. He endowed the family traditions onto his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His love and knowledge of gardening provided many meals and teaching lessons for the entire family. If you were lucky enough to spend a day in Chicago with Gil, you could look forward to operas, plays, or musicals ending with a wonderful meal at one of his favorite restaurants. His faith and family were paramount. As a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church, he continued to donate to whatever cause was needed at the time. After the passing of his beloved wife, Izzy, to honor her memory and love of music, he donated a baby grand piano to the church. Parishioners are still enjoying the angelic sounds of the instrument. He was fortunate to have his companion of many years, Mel, by his side. Together they enjoyed life to its fullest by taking international trip, exploring and enjoying time with each other. Survived by his longtime companion, Melody Nover; children, Gib (fiancé Christine Hall) Terlicher, Patricia (Mark) Setzler, Aurelia (Frederick) Schutz, Elsie (Gary) Goldberg; grandchildren, Farrah (Todd) Chinderle, Lindsey (Robert) Miller, Morgan (Scott) Coconate, Lisa (fiancé Steven Hutton) Baisden, Bruno (Haley) Lipniskis, Lee Lipniskis; great-grandchildren, Cameron Welzien, Brandon Coconate, Gia Miller, Laken Chinderle; several nieces, nephews, and dear extended family. Preceded in death by wife, Isabella (nee Canulli); parents, Carlo and Aurelia (Chiabai) Terlicher; brother, Carl and (Joan nee Tomko) Terlicher, nephew, Carl Terlicher Jr.; brother, Bruno and (Luella nee Peters) Terlicher; sister, Mary (Donald) Burton; grandson, Michael Terlicher. Friends may call on Thursday, July 5, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Dykes Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN. A Mass of Celebration will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, July 6, 2018 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN. Rev. Doug Mayer officiating. Interment, Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W. 73rd Ave., Merrillville, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Gilbert Terlicher may be made to Dunes Hospice, Chesterton, IN or St. Paul Catholic Church, Valparaiso, IN for masses. Arrangements by Dykes Funeral Home, Inc., 219-462-3125.