John B. Gilbert

CWO4 John “Grumpy” Gilbert, or as he liked to refer to himself “John Berton Gilbert dit Comtois” with a strong French Canadian accent, was born June 5th, 1936, son of Arthur Gilbert II and Josephine Chase Gilbert at Cottage Hospital in Haverhill, NH. He died June 6th, 2017, with loved ones at his side, after a sudden illness at St. Vincent Hospital Riverside, Jacksonville, FL. John was one day into his 81st year of life.

John was very proud of his heritage, and as a result an avid Genealogist. He traced the roots of the Gilbert family over 1000 years. John grew up in North Woodstock, NH, and graduated from North Woodstock High School in 1954. He joined the United States Navy on January 17, 1955, and proceeded to travel the world. He had a long and distinguished Military Career, serving his country for 35 years before retiring from the Navy in 1990. His career spanned several world events, including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the horrible fire on the USS Forrestal, and the Vietnam War. His assignments included:

Reserve Training Center Bainbridge, MD Jan ’55 – Apr ‘55

Airman Fundamentals School, Norman, OK May ‘55 – Jun ‘55

Aviation Electronics Technician “A” School, Memphis, TN Jun ‘55 – Mar ‘56

Naval Air Facility, Annapolis, MD Mar ’56 – May ‘57

Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron 21 NAS Quonset Point, RI Jun ‘57 – Apr ‘60

Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron 2, Rota, Spain May ’60 – May ‘63

Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, OFFUTT AFB, Omaha, NE Jun ’63 – Jun ‘66

Avionics Intermediate “B” School, Memphis, TN Jul ’66 – Feb ‘67

Fighter Squadron 74, NAS Oceana, VA Mar ‘67 – Jun ‘68

Fighter Squadron 101, NAS Oceana, VA Jun ’68 – Jul ‘68

Aviation Officer’s Indoctrination School, NAS Pensacola, FL Aug ’68 – Sept ‘68

Fighter Squadron 101, NAS Key West, FL Oct ’68 – Oct ‘71

Fighter Squadron 33, NAS Oceana, VA Nov ’71 – Nov ‘74

Fighter Squadron 101, NAS Oceana, VA Dec ’74 – Sept ‘76

Fighter Squadron 171, NAS Key West, FL Sep ’76 – Sep ‘78

Fighter Squadron 31, NAS Oceana, VA Oct ‘78 – Apr ‘81

Patrol Squadron 17, NAS Barbers PT, HI Apr ‘81 – Oct ‘83

Patrol Wing 2, NAS Barbers PT, HI Apr ’83 – Oct ‘84

Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 33, NAS Key West, FL Dec ‘84 – Dec ‘87

Striker Fighter Squadron 106, NAS Cecil Field, FL Jan ’88 – Apr ‘90

His personal and professional performance while in the Military was exemplary, as evidenced in receiving the following personal and unit awards:

Navy Commendation Medal (second award)

Good Conduct Medal (fifth award)

Meritorious Unit Commendation (third award)

Battle “E” Ribbon (third award)

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

National Defense Ribbon (second award)

Vietnam Service Medal

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (fourth award)

Vietnam Campaign Medal

Combat Air Crew Wings - for his service during the Vietnam conflict

Words cannot express our gratitude for his lifelong commitment to the United States of America. Future generations of this great country will always be indebted for his service and sacrifice.

After retiring from the Navy, John had the drive to continue to serve his country in different ways, from managing several restaurants for Woody’s Barbeque, to department manager for Pick & Pay Stores, to finally the sexton at St. Mark Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, FL.

John is survived by his children, Terence Juan Gilbert of Foxboro, MA, Tymothy Scott Gilbert and wife Laura of Bradenton, FL, Sharon Gilbert Horne and husband Scott of Mt. Vernon, ME, and Lee Adams of Jacksonville, FL. John’s pride and joy were his grandkids and great-grandkids. His grandchildren, Heather Gilbert Treannie and Terence Juan Gilbert Jr. both of MA, Zach and Sara Gilbert of Bradenton, FL, Scotty Horne, of Fort Hood, TX, and Audrey Adams of Jacksonville, FL. John’s precious three great-granddaughters, Lia Patricia & Tessa Marie Treannie, and Clara Anne Gilbert, all of MA, enjoyed the company of their Great Grampy.

John was predeceased by his father, Arthur and mother Josephine. John is also survived by his two brothers, Richard Gilbert and wife Judy, of Concord, NH, and Arthur “Butch” Gilbert III and wife Marcy of North Carolina. Last by not least, his very special Aunt Kathleen Goodine of Concord, NH, who recently celebrated her 103rd Birthday. Aunt Kathleen, John’s mother’s sister, holds a very special place in all Gilbert’s hearts.

John was an extremely generous man, always helping others, and willing to go without for others in need. John was an avid sports fan, loving football and his beloved Jaguars. He was extremely fond of the Miami Marlins & the Tampa Bay Rays. He loved all things FSU, Florida State University, and followed every aspect of their teams. He could tell you how all “his” teams were doing, their strengths and weaknesses at any time.

John will be coming home to his roots, being buried at N.H. State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH, at a date to be determined.

Arrangements under the direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL.