PORTSMOUTH, Va. — John L. Gilbert, 47, of Chesapeake, Va., died June 19, in Portsmouth, Va.

He was born Oct. 14, 1964, in Azusa, Calif., to Beatrice Gilbert of Maine.

He will be remembered for his ability to work with his hands.

John entered the U.S. Navy in 1983, serving aboard various ships, including the USS T.C. Hart and USS Enterprise.

He retired in 2010 from AIRLANT Naval Station Norfolk. He continued serving the military as a private contractor for the many aircraft carriers he loved so much.

Survivors include his mother, Beatrice Gilbert; wife, Barbara L. Gilbert; sons, Justin L. Gilbert and Bryan A. Gilbert; sister, Diane Moreau; brothers, Marc Gilbert and Denis Gilbert.

He was predeceased by his father, Lucien Gilbert.

Friends are invited to sign the online guest book at www.omanfh.com.