William R. Gilbert, Sr.

Eulogy of William R. Gilbert Sr.

William R. Gilbert Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Samaritan Hospice and Health Care in Mount Holly, NJ.  He was 91 years old.

Born and raised in Burlington, Bill was one of nine children born to George and Florence Gilbert. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War.

Bill met the love of his life, Sarah Brown, in 1956, and in 1958 they married. He and Sarah went on to have 5 children. Sarah and Bill have been members of the First Baptist Church of Willingboro since 1969, where Bill served as a Deacon, on the Property and Grounds committee, and as a Greeter where he welcomed all with a smile and a handshake. Bill worked at the Hercules Corporation in Burlington Township as a First Class Chemical Operator for 38 years. During this time, he also ran his own painting business for 28 years.

Always willing to help others, Bill’s generosity has had an impact on so many. He enjoyed playing and coaching basketball, both in church and community leagues. Bill was an avid Philadelphia sports fan, and could often be heard coaching from his front row seat in his house. Bill also delighted in the beach, going on vacations, eating pizza and ice cream, and bike riding. Above all, he cherished the time spent with family.

Bill is survived by his wife Sarah, sons Daniel (Mary Jo), Dennis (Sue), Bill Jr (Joann), Tim (Renee), daughter Meg (Adam), 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and sister Marion (Vince).

Bill welcomed all he met, found joy in every day, and always had a wonderful smile to share. His goodness, integrity, commitment, sense of humor, and love of family will stay in our hearts forever.

A viewing for Bill will be held at the First Baptist Church of Willingboro, 216 Sunset Road, Willingboro, NJ 08046 on Thursday from 10-11am. A funeral service will begin at 11am with entombment to follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Samaritan Life-Enhancing Care at samaritannj.org  

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…

2 Timothy 4:6-8

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