LEWISTON – Robert M. Gilbert, 87, of Lewiston died on Feb. 10, 2024 at Central Maine Medical Center. He was born in Lewiston on Sept. 26, 1936, the son of Lionel and Yvonne Blais Gilbert. He married the former Pauline Leveque, on Sept. 21, 2001.

He graduated from St. Peter’s School in 1950 and from St.Dominic High School in 1954, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College in 1958 and a Master of Education degree from the University of Maine (Orono) in 1967. After Bates College, he served with the U.S. Army, the Maine Army National Guard and the Army Reserve.

He was in the Auburn School System for 30 years, first as a teacher, tennis coach and class advisor at Edward Little High School, then was a grade principle at Central Middle School for 10 years and building assistant principal. He returned to teaching until his retirement. During his career, he served as vice­ president of the Auburn Teachers Association, and was a member of many professional organizations.

As a Lewiston resident, he served on the Board of Public Works and as its Chairperson in 1969-1970, the Mayor’s Citizens Advisory Committee, McMahon Elementary School Building Committee and was an ex­ officio member of the L-A Water Pollution Control Authority. He also served on the Board of Directors for Senior College at USM-LA, and taught courses as well.

Gilbert was an active member of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, and continued his service at the Basilica of Prince of Peace Parish serving as reader, extra-ordinary eucharistic minister, cantor and as a member of the French and funeral choirs. He also served on the Parish Council both as a member and Chairperson. He was active on three commissions, chairing Social Justice and Peace, as secretary of Finance and of Worship and Spirituality. He was head docent and historian at the Basilica.

He was active in both capital campaigns for the restoration of the Basilica, serving as co-chairperson of the second campaign, and was co-chairperson of the committee for the dedication of the new altar and the elevation of Saints Peter and Paul Church to a Basilica. He received the Volunteer of the Year award at the parish in 2004, and was recipient of the Diocesan Immaculate Conception Medallion during the elevation of the church to a basilica in May, 2005.

He was Vice-President and President of the Holy Name Society and President of the Saints Peter and Paul Society. He was Chairperson of the St. Peter School Board and then the St. Peter-Sacred Heart School Board. Gilbert was recognized by the National Catholic Education Association in 2000, receiving the Distinguished Graduate Award for service to the Catholic Church and the United States of America.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 106, and a Fourth Degree member of the Msgr. T. H. Wallace Assembly 0338, having served as an officer in both groups. He was also a Knight Grand Cross in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

He is survived by his wife, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family invites you to a time of visitation on Thursday Feb. 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Pinette, Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home, 305 Alfred Plourde Pkwy, Lewiston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday Feb. 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, 122 Ash St. Lewiston. Committal services will follow with military honors at St. Peters Cemetery Deer Rd, Lewiston.

In lieu of flowers,

donations preferred to the:

Basilica of Sts. Peter

and Paul Fund

at Prince of Peace Parish

607 Sabattus St.

Lewiston, ME 04240

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