Robert Rene Gilbert

Robert R. Gilbert, “Bob”, age 92, of Swansea, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River. He was the beloved husband of Judith L. (Butler) Gilbert to whom he had been married 42 years.

Born in New Bedford, he was the son of the late Rene and Catherine (Gefis) Gilbert. Bob graduated from Monsignor Coyle High School in Taunton, Class of 1950. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Navy and served four years during the Korean War. When he returned home, he enrolled at Providence College where he received a Bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s degree from Boston College. He worked as a Clinical Social Worker at Taunton State Hospital for 32 years and also had a private practice for several years. After retirement, he worked part time for the Visiting Nurse Association of Southeastern Massachusetts for 23 years, retiring at the age of 84. He dedicated his life to other individuals who needed his support within his field and in his personal life as well.

Bob was a skier, runner, and loved to dance. He was an avid reader of non-fiction and enjoyed sharing facts that he had learned with others. Bob was a positive, clever, and unique individual who loved life. He always had a project that he was passionate about. He grew grapes in Little Compton, RI and made wine for several years. He was an avid gardener and was always planting flowers and vegetables. Bob could be seen digging in the dirt for hours. He grew beautiful sunflowers and dahlias and would share them with his coworkers. One of Bob’s favorite quotes was “To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves” – Gandhi.

Bob’s latest passion was learning to cultivate oysters in the Coles River. He was a member of the Coles River Club and enjoyed socializing with his neighbors at their events.

In addition to his devoted wife, Bob is survived by six children, Regina Gilbert of Taunton, Stephen Gilbert and his wife Kathy of Dennis, Michael Gilbert of Taunton, Aaron Gilbert and his wife Mary of Newburyport, Julie Gilbert and her wife Rebecca of Somerset, and Brendan Gilbert of Trinidad, CA; two sisters, Laura Lukasewski and Joan Gallagher; six grandchildren, Andrew Gilbert and his wife Kathleen of New York City, NY, Jennifer Gilbert and her partner Ty of Pound Ridge, NY, Mollie Gilbert of Brooklyn, NY, Sarah Brown of Pawcatuck, CT, Leesil Gilbert of Newburyport, and Gus Brown of Somerset; three great-grandchildren, Alina and Liam Nelson and Rose Gilbert as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Bob will be missed and his spirit will live on in the memories of those who were blessed to know him.

His Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial in Vinnicum Woods Cemetery, 165 Vinnicum Rd., Swansea. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s honor may be made to the Swansea Ambulance Corps., 285 Wilbur Ave., Swansea, MA 02777.