Gilbert Thomas Joly

Gilbert Thomas Joly was born in 1925 in New Bedford, MA, the son of Elise (Trembley) and Omer Joly. He grew up in New Bedford, graduating high school in 1943 and enlisting in the US Navy, where he served aboard the USS Missouri as a Pharmacist’s Mate 2nd Class.

Upon his return from WWII, he married his high school sweetheart, Lillian (Sullivan), and began studies at UMass Amherst, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. He was employed by the State of Massachusetts as a Sanitation Engineer, later earning his LSP and PE designations with advanced studies at Harvard University. He was the Director of the Department of Environmental Quality Engineering (DEQE) and spent his evenings teaching at Worcester State College and UMass Amherst. After his retirement from the state, he went on to work as a Professional Engineer for Mason Environmental. His mantra for success was “Do what you love and never work a day in your life”.

Gil was an avid golfer, leading his FL men’s league and enjoying multiple games weekly at local courses where he was a member. He volunteered weekly at St. John the Evangelist for BINGO and regularly was found repairing donated items at the annual rummage sale. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved time on the water but his true passion was swimming - most days doing 100 laps - even as a 98 year old. He shared his passion with his loved ones, often found with 4 generations in the local pool.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Omer, sister Ruth, wife of 69 years Lillian, an infant daughter, son Thomas Joly, and daughter Sharon Stone.

Those left to remember his love of word games, blueberries and Wheel of Fortune include his children Elizabeth Dean of Bourne and David (Marguerite) Joly of Hubbardston; his grandchildren Elizabeth (Scott) DeMelo, James (Lindsay) Dean, Genevieve Joly, Gabrielle Joly and David Joly; and his cherished great grandchildren Elise Dean, Thomas Dean, Abigail Dean and Owen DeMelo, who will forever remember their weekly summer sleepovers playing card games and swimming with their beloved Pepé.

The burial is private and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

If you would like to honor Gil’s remarkable life, kindly consider a donation to the Buzzards Bay Coalition, 114 Front St. New Bedford, MA 02740, or another conservation organization.