Harold L. Gilbert

Gilbert, Harold L., 97, went to his heavenly home on February 28, 2018.  He was a resident of Arbutus Park Manor.  Harold was the son of M. Lee and M. Alverda (Griffith) Gilbert and born on November 10, 1920 in Johnstown. Preceded in death by parents, his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Roberts who passed away on August 17th, 2015, and siblings, Don, Dorothy and Dolly; daughter-in-law, Michele (Kip) Gilbert, and grandson, Courtney C. Gilbert. Last surviving member of his family.  Survived by children, Patricia L. (David) Bergman; Pamela G. (Skip) Rowland; and Kipyard C. Gilbert, all of Johnstown; grandchildren, Stephanie (Kevin) Whittle, Virginia; Paul (Cathy) Bergman, Johnstown, Melissa Rowland, Harrisburg; Cara (Scott) Lushko, Pastor Kirk (Jen) Rowland, Johnstown; Quinn (Brian) Haley, Virginia.  Great Grandchildren, Riel and Simeon Whittle; Hunter Bergman; Hannah, Jacob and Noah Lushko; Sienna and Shay Rowland; Addison Haley; and sister-in-law, Evelyn “Bobbie” Thomas. He and Dottie also had many “adopted” children; Exchange student, Angelika (Rommel) Winter and daughters Barbara and Carola Winter, Dornburg, Germany; Stani, Ivo, Elizabeth and Peter Petrov, Illinois and many others too numerous to mention. Graduate of Dale High School, class of 1938. He and Dottie met at the Skateland Roller Rink and were married over 74 years. Harold served in the Army-Air Force in WWII.  Part-owner of Gilbert Bros. Gulf Oil Company with his brother, Don and nephew, Charles Gilbert. Harold was a generous fun-loving family man as well as an innovator and caring businessman.  He enjoyed being with his family more than anything – they were his pride and joy. A long-time member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and was looking forward for many years to going to Heaven to see Christ, whom he trusted had saved him from his sins. In his younger years, he served as a member of the Richland School Board, Kiwanas Club, having shared a part in designing Highland Recreation Park, and the Oakland Fire Company where for many years he led the Christmas parties in singing and fun.  He enjoyed playing the organ, helping others, and spoiling his family. After retirement, he and Dottie spent over 28 years enjoying Ocean City, NJ and the many friends they made in that area. His family would like to thank the nurses and aides of Arbutus Park Manor, Conemaugh Hospital, and Good Sam Palliative Care for their loving care given to Harold. “Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again” Friends will be welcomed at Harris Funeral Home on Friday, March 2, from 6-8 PM and from 10 AM to time of Celebration of Home Going at 11 AM Saturday, followed by interment at Grandview Cemetery, Pastor Kirk Rowland, officiating.  Family suggests donations may be made in Harold’s memory to Emmanuel Baptist Church or Arbutus Park Manor, Benevolent Care Fund. Online condolences may be posted to www.wharrisfuneralhome.com  .“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”  Psalm 116:15