Alan Lewis Gilbert

Alan Lewis Gilbert, 78, of Reading, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after a long and courageous battle following a traumatic brain injury. Born in Reading on December 11, 1946, he was the son of the late Melvin and Verna (Fielitz) Gilbert. He was a 1964 graduate of Reading High School. After graduating high school, he went on to become an aircraft mechanic for much of his career and completed his employment years working at the Berks County Assistance Office. Alan had a passion for cars. He enjoyed all forms of motor racing but was especially fond of small block modified cars. He also enjoyed bowling, dancing, thrifting and attending the Jazz Festival. What brought him true joy was spending time with his daughter, grandchildren, and close friends. He was a constant presence at the sideline or in the audience, never missing a sporting or school event for his daughter or grandchildren. Alan is survived by one daughter, Ashleigh Gehret, wife of Scott of Leesport, PA, with whom he spent his final days with. Also surviving are his bonus children, Alysson (Dengler) Robitzer, wife of Benjamin of West Lawn, PA, and Andrew Dengler of Leesport, PA both of whom he cared deeply for. He was a proud Poppy of three grandchildren: Aiden Allan, Alexander Scott, and Adysson Gail Gehret. Alan is also survived by his sister Judith Sorenson, widow of Glenn, Nashville, TN and his former wife, Gail Dengler, whom he remained friends with. With Gail's care and assistance, his wish of returning home to his daughter's residence was made possible. Friends and family are invited to Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Laureldale on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. Burial will take place at Forest Hills Memorial Park on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. In remembrance of Alan's life, memorial tributes may be made to Shriner's Hospital for Children, Office of Philanthropy, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For online condolences please visit www.StitzelFamilyFuneralHomes.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alan Lewis Gilbert, please visit our floral store.