Obituary of Robert L. Gilbert

RIPLEY - Robert L. Gilbert, Sr., age 77, of Ripley, NY, died unexpectedly, Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Westfield Memorial Hospital. Robert was born on November 2, 1938 in Jamestown, NY, a son of the late Lovis G. Gilbert, Sr. and Ruth (Miller) Gilbert. He had been employed at GE in Erie as a Welder for 29 years, retiring in 1996. Robert was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge # 118 of Westfield, The Chautauqua Cruisers Car Club and had attended the Ripley Baptist Church. Bob enjoyed stock car racing, restoring classic cars, cruising with the Chautauqua Cruisers and tending to his livestock farm. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn (Carris) Gilbert, whom he married on November 16, 1958 and by his daughter: Crystal (Scott) Ottoway of Mayville, NY and his four sons, Robert Gilbert, Jr. of Falconer, Mark K. Gilbert of Ripley, Gerald L. (Melodye) Gilbert of Ripley, and Glennallen, AK, and Phillip Gilbert of Ripley. He is further survived by his 2 brothers, Raymond Gilbert of Hartfield and Ronald Gilbert of Brocton. 19 Grandchildren, 27 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his 5 brothers, Miley Gilbert, Sr., Richard Gilbert, Sr., Kenneth Gilbert, Sr., Paul Gilbert, Lovis G. Gilbert, Jr., and by his 2 sisters, Betty Pierce and Mary Ann "Sis" Walters. At Robert's request no visitation will observed and Funeral Services will be private. Memorials may be made to Mooseheart International, 155 S International Dr., Mooseheart, IL 60539 or to Centaur Stride Therapeutic Riding Stable, P.O Box 174 Westfield, NY 14787. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the MASON Funeral home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY 14787. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send the Gilbert family a message of sympathy, to light a Memorial Candle or for further information.