Joseph “Joey” Gilbert

VENICE BEACH, Calif. – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son “Joey”. He passed away on Dec. 2, 2023, doing what he loved most; playing basketball. Our pain is eased in knowing he has been called home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

He was born in Lewiston, on June 2, 1989, the son of Remi Gilbert and Kim Wells.

Joey was full of life. He was smart, charming, competitive, fun loving, made many lifelong friends, and had a very special bond with his older brother, Eric Crocker.

He was raised in and attended schools in Sabattus, graduating from Oak Hill High School in 2007, where he excelled in academics being in the top ten of his graduating class as well as sports including Lacrosse and Football – Achieving the honor to participate and play in the annual Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic in the Summer of 2007.

Upon graduating high school, he attended Bentley College in Waltham, Massachusetts, before moving to Arizona to be with his brother Eric in 2010 to fulfill one of his dreams. He loved his brother deeply and they made many great memories while living together.

One of Joey’s happiest moments playing youth football was winning the 2001 Lewiston Fly Football Championship. The connection he made with his coaches Scott Roy and Big Don Wardwell made a lasting impression on Joey’s life.

Another happy moment in his life was when his parents, brother, and extended family from Arizona flew out to California to spend a week celebrating his 29th birthday. The days at the beach exploring and the adventures of riding every roller coaster at Six Flags. We shared the best days with him laughing and enjoying our family time together.

Joey began suffering from mental illness in his early 20’s. He traveled the countryside adventurously and settled in California, where he spent his last nine years. Mental illness may have taken away his mind, but it never took away his heart. He was always willing to give what he had even if that left him with nothing.

He is survived by his parents, Remi and Betsy Gilbert of Sabattus, mother Kim Wells of Arizona, brother Eric Crocker of Arizona, sisters, Brittany (Kody) Peckham of West Gardiner, and Kayla Clark of Winthrop. He is also survived by grandparents, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, as well as extended family in Arizona.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of our family, friends, and our church family of EABC for all the love and prayers during this very difficult time.

To leave condolences or to share fond memories, please visit http://www.thefortingrouplewiston.com

A celebration of life will be held on Jan. 12, 2024, at the East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Ave., Auburn. Visitation from 2-4 p.m., with service to follow at 4 p.m. The service will be Live Streamed at http://www.EABC.me.

Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, 70 Horton Street Lewiston, ME 04240, (207) 784-4584.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Auburn Baptist Church “Summer Camp Fund” in memory of Joey Gilbert.