1956 – 2013

JAY — John Stephen Gilbert, 57, of Jay, died unexpectedly Saturday, Sept. 14, at his home.

He was born on July 22, 1956, in Jay, a son of Gerard W. and Charleen J. (Davis) Gilbert. He graduated from Jay High School and notably was in the last class to graduate St. Rose of Lima School. He then went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maine at Farmington after attending the Augusta and Southern Maine campuses.

John worked as a retail manager with Bass Shoe stores and later in customer service at L.L. Bean’s flagship store in Freeport. Most recently, he had been serving as his parents’ caregiver and would also help his nephew in his orchard.

He was an avid reader and continued to enjoy learning new things. He enjoyed his daily walks throughout Jay and Livermore Falls and visiting with people along the way, and time spent with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. His love and kindness will always be remembered.

John is survived by his parents, Gerard and Charleen Gilbert of Jay; siblings, Cynthia Gilbert of Jay and her sons, Carl Badeau and wife, Lacey, and Craig Badeau, William Gilbert and his wife, Patricia, of Reno, Nev., and daughters, Jessica Skidmore and Jillian Gilbert, Jeffrey Gilbert and his wife, Karen, of Jay and their children, Joel Gilbert and wife, Melissa, Janna and Jonathan Gilbert, and Thomas Gilbert and his wife, Celine, of New Gloucester and their children, Marc Gilbert and wife, Ellen, Stephen, Philip and Hannah Gilbert; as well as greatnieces and greatnephews, Seth and Jenna Badeau and Noah and Evelyn Gilbert.

He was predeceased by a brother, Peter William Gilbert; and Marcel Castonguay, a very close friend who was like a brother as they were known for their long discussions in the garden and on our front porch.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with John’s family on his tribute wall at www.wilesrc.com.