Charles Hays Gilbert

Our dad, Charles Hays Gilbert, was taken by God's hand September 20, 2024.

He often said, "My life was full, I was given much; good parents, a faithful wife, four good boys, with a loving touch."

Charles was born in McKeesport, PA., June 15, 1927, son of Charles O. Gilbert and Charlotte Hays Gilbert. He met his soulmate, Helen Graham, at age fourteen, their first year in high school. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served two years in the Philippine Islands. 

Reunited after the war, Chuck and Helen married at age twenty-two and provided a loving family for their four boys, living in McKeesport, PA. where Chuck worked twenty years for Emmco Insurance Company. They were members of Greenock United Methodist Church for over twenty years. The church was built by David Gilbert, an uncle of Chuck’s. Chuck was on the Board when they burned the mortgage. Reverend Harold Greenway was their wonderful minister. He was so good teaching young people – such a huge help to Helen and Chuck trying to set their four boys on the Christian way of life. They grew into wonderful men and Helen and Chuck were always very proud of them.

As a young, married couple, they built a cottage on Lakeside in Edinboro, PA., in the 1950's, where the family enjoyed many vacations. They moved there full time in the early 1970's, operating a vacation and college student housing rental business.

The family loved traveling. Much of this was camping trips, beginning in a tent, stepping up to a pickup truck camper, then a series of travel trailers, and up to a thirty-two-foot motor home. They made five trips around the United States, visiting all the lower forty-eight states. They visited Alaska and Hawaii on cruises and made several jet flight excursions to Europe, the most memorable, a seven-week tour of seven countries.

Chuck and Helen retired to Florida, building their own home in Port Richey, but were "snowbirds" for over thirty years, returning each year to their beloved Pennsylvania. Each summer was a must for them to live in their home state, often saying they were experiencing the best of two worlds. The much-appreciated community services of Union City Senior Center were especially enjoyable for Chuck in recent summers.

Chuck was a Boy Scout leader for several years, belonged to American Legion, White Oak, PA., Elks Club, Aripeka, FL., The Erie County Shrine Club, and the Masonic Lodge #408, Meadville, PA. which presented his seventy-year service pin to him October 7, 2022. He enjoyed many picnics and parades, riding his motorcycle in the Zem Zem Motor Corps. Chuck also belonged to The Tall Cedars of Lebanon and the year he was elected Grand Tall Cedar of the McKeesport Forest, their drill team took first place at the yearly convention in Atlantic City, NJ. He and Helen also organized a charter week-long trip to Hawaii that year for the Tall Cedars, the plane filled up quickly, and a fun time was had by all.

One of Chuck's favorite memories was October 29, 2013, when he participated in a flight from St. Petersburg, FL. to Washington, D.C. to visit war memorials, courtesy of Honor Flight of West Central Florida. He was accompanied on the trip by his number two son, Chuck. He knew his niece, Karen, her husband, Jack, and their son, Sean O'Brien would meet them at the war memorials, but was surprised by his other three sons, who appeared from behind the first memorial they visited. It was an emotional jaw-dropping moment for the “two Chucks,” as this was kept a complete secret from both. A joyful reunion was shared while touring the war memorials and The Lincoln Memorial Monument.

He is survived by his four sons, Keith (Kathy), Erie, PA., Charles (Sheryl), Palm Harbor, FL., Graham (Louise), Indian Lake, NY., and Thomas (Jessica), Deland, FL., eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Twin sisters, Eileen Bell and Irene Hillwig preceded him in death.

Friends may call at the Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 W. 26th St., Erie on Friday, September 27th from 11 AM until the time of service there at Noon with full Military Honors. Burial will take place in Mount Vernon Cemetery, McKeesport, PA.

Memorials may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children, 1645 West 8th Street, Erie, PA., 16505.

"God looked around his garden and found an empty place -

He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

 He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest -

God's garden must be beautiful

He always takes the best.

 It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone -

Part of all of us went with you the day God called you home."