John E. Gilbert

John, affectionately known by many as Gil, was a man of adventure, passion, and boundless energy. Born in Livingston, NJ on August 1, 1933, he lived a life defined by his love of speed, his deep friendships, and his unwavering devotion to his family.

Gil attended Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Science in 1955. While at Penn State, he was an ROTC candidate and founder of the Hot Rod Club, reflecting his lifelong love of fast machines. Even as a student he was an entrepreneur at heart, giving people rides in his car for money. Upon graduation, Gil entered the U.S. Air Force and embarked on an 11-year career as a fighter pilot with the 325th Fighter Interceptor Squadron. Rising from Lieutenant to Captain, he piloted cutting-edge aircrafts while also earning a Master’s degree in Psychology from East Texas State University. For many, many years Gil worked two jobs including Saunders Hardware in Montclair and Hockenjos Marina on Hopatcong Lake.

After Gil’s distinguished military service, he took to the skies once again—this time as a commercial pilot for American Airlines. Flying throughout the U.S. and internationally to destinations such as England, France, and the Caribbean. Though he retired in 1993 at the formerly mandatory age of 60, he would have gladly continued working. Gil’s retirement didn’t keep him grounded for long; he purchased a 1981 Mooney 231 in which he and his beloved late wife, Louise, and friends embarked on countless adventures from short sightseeing flights to trips across the country and beyond—from the jagged mountains of the West Coast Rockies to the crystal blue waters of the Keys and the Caribbean.

A man of many passions, Gil fell in love with windsurfing in the French Caribbean and brought that passion home, mentoring and training others—including one student who went on to compete in the Olympics. Whether on a jet, motorcycle, ski boat, sailboat, airplane, windsurfer board, catamaran, snowmobile, car/sports car, or jet ski, Gil loved to go fast. He was known to modify an engine or two! Despite his thrill-seeking nature, Gil was known for advising others to, “Never jump out of a perfectly good airplane.”

Gil’s hobbies were as expansive as his spirit. He loved sailing, kayaking, building and flying model airplanes, golfing, table tennis, and court tennis. His life philosophy was simple but profound: work hard—ideally at a job you love—but play harder. His quick wit, clever wordplay, and infectious humor could light up any room. No matter where he was, Gil would take the time to talk to strangers, who in turn often became lifelong friends. Everyone has interesting stories, challenges and successes, past and present, and Gil truly enjoyed getting to know people on a genuine and deep level.

Above all else, Gil cherished his family wholeheartedly. His marriage to Louise was a true partnership in every sense of the word. He was particularly fond of his "favorite son" and "favorite daughter," titles that spoke to his warmth and humor he brought to his loved ones. Gil lived his life at full throttle, embracing every moment with joy, curiosity, and generosity. His legacy of adventure, mentorship, love, and laughter will live on in the many lives he touched. Gil’s friend of many years shared the following warm reflections on his life, “He had a great experience, a global perspective, he genuinely cared for friends as well as family… I shall miss his wit and wisdom, his presence.”

John is survived by his daughter Michele Cutler (George W. Cutler III); and his son Gary A. Gilbert (Deborah M. Gilbert); four loving nieces Doris, Elaine, Margot, and Alison;

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 68 years Louise C. Gilbert.