William C. Gilbert

He is survived by his beloved children, Stephen Rodriguez Gilbert, his wife Michelle Gilbert of Raynham Massachusetts and Alysha Allena Rodriguez Gilbert Yepes, and her husband Hector Yepes of Ledyard Connecticut. He is the grandfather of five beautiful grandchildren, Corey, Aliana, Adrian, Vivianna and Lorena. He is also survived by his Sister, Deborah Gay of Newport News, VA and is predeceased by his beloved wife Nereida “Nery” Rodriguez Gilbert, his Father Claude Joseph Gilbert and his Mother Dolores Allen Gilbert.

Bill had a passion for music, history, science and reading. He was a talented percussionist, often playing with local live jazz bands. He most enjoyed playing the bongos and congas after absorbing the upbeat music and culture during his time in Puerto Rico, where he met his beloved wife and completed his family.

Forever an avid scientist, he obtained his Masters degree in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Tech. His professional career progressed in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing holding various senior leadership roles. He was intelligent and well traveled, having spent extensive time in the Caribbean, Europe and Asia before enjoying retirement in Asheville, which is nestled in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

Arrangements have been made for a private service by Pontarelli-Marino Funeral Home in Providence, Rhode Island and he will be graciously laid to rest with his beloved wife Nery, at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, Rhode Island.