Obituary of Richard A. Gilbert

WESTFIELD - Richard A. "Dick" Gilbert, age 75, of West Main Rd., Westfield died Monday, September 13, 2010 at home, surrounded by his loving family, following an extended illness. Dick was born on October 22, 1934 in Ripley, NY, a son of the late Lovis and Ruth E. (Miller) Gilbert. A Westfield resident most all his life, Dick had been employed as an auto mechanic for the Walton Touhy Buick Garage in Westfield and Gerry Edwards Chevrolet, He then was employed by Bill Liberator Case Tractors as a Mechanic. Dick had been employed by Underwater Well Drilling prior to joining the NYS Thruway authority in Westfield where he worked in roadway maintenance and retired from in 1996. Dick was a Veteran of the US Army Paratroopers having served from 1953 to 1957. He enjoyed racing stock cars for 42 years all around the area. Known for his mechanical ability, Dick restored many vintage and classic vehicles and motorcycles. He was a member of The West Portland Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife: Betty (Emery) Gilbert, his daughter: Ruth E. Gilbert of Portland, NY and his two sons: Richard A. Gilbert, Jr. of Barcelona, NY, and William Means of Mayville, NY. Dick is also survived by his step-children; Sandra Greenman of Westfield, Laird Eppinger, Jr. of Westfield, Harry Eppinger of Angola, NY, Linda Farnham of Westfield, and Donald Dougan of Portland, He is further survived by his four brothers: Lovis Gilbert, Jr., Robert Gilbert, Sr., Raymond Gilbert, Sr., and Ronald Gilbert, Sr., Many Grandchildren and many many Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his son Benjamin Richard Means, his step-son, Jim Dougan His three brothers, Paul Gilbert, Kenneth Gilbert, Sr., and Miley Gilbert, Sr., and his two sisters; Mary Ann Walters and Betty Pierce. Friends may call at the MASON FUNERAL HOME, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM and are invited to attend the Funeral Service on Friday morning at 11 AM at the West Portland Baptist Church, 7081 West Main Road, Westfield with Reverends Gary Henry and Ryan Grafton officiating. Private burial will be in Westfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to The West Portland Baptist Church, 7081 West Main Rd., Westfield, NY 14787 or to the Stateline Speedway Legacy Fund, c/o Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Dick's family a message of sympathy.