Joseph Nicola "Roger" Gilbert

Joseph Nicola”Roger” Gilbert, 79, of East Hartford, passed away in his home on the night of December 30, 2012. Roger was born to the late Regina (Bérubé) Gilbert and Adolphe Gilbert on December 6, 1933 in St. Aurélie, Québec, Canada. Roger enjoyed growing up on a large farm with twelve brothers and sisters. He retired from being a presser after 45+ years of service. Roger lived in Mansfield for many years, making numerous friends and enjoying the community activities and events. In his adult life, he loved spending time with family and friends playing darts, traveling to Canada and driving around on his moped. He always loved a good party and entertained us all with his upbeat songs and famous one-liners. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter Mona (Gilbert) Finan and her husband Mark of East Hartford, his 3 grandchildren Michelle Carras and her husband John, Mark Finan and his wife Jen, and Matthew Finan, his 4 great grandchildren; Reneé, Kali, Anthony, and James. In addition, Roger leaves behind to cherish his memory his siblings Benoit, Jeannine, Lucille and Cecille, his ex-wife Claudette Simard and her son Jason, brother-in-law Gaston, many loving nieces, nephews and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, Roger is predeceased by siblings Noella, Jean-Louis, Ovila, Hercule, Marcel, Real, twin brother Rock and niece Carol Dubé.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a period of visitation on Saturday, January 5th, 2013 from 11:30a.m.-1:30p.m. at the Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue, East Hartford, CT. 06108. A Memorial Service will follow immediately at the funeral home at 1:30p.m. Burial is private and at the convenience of the family.

For more information or to leave an online condolence, kindly visit www.newkirkandwhitney.com