Marshall Edward Gilbert Sr.

Rear Admiral Marshall E. (“Ed”) Gilbert, US Coast Guard (Ret.), 83, of Arlington, VA passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at his home on June 4, 2020. He was born in Thomaston, GA on November 24, 1936 to Rufus and Maggie (Collins) Gilbert. On May 27, 1958, he married the love of his life, the former Melinda Ashcraft of New London, CT at the Coast Guard Academy Chapel also in New London. After graduating from the Coast Guard Academy with a BS in Engineering, Ed enjoyed a distinguished 35-year Coast Guard career. He held numerous command positions during his career, both afloat and ashore, including command of a Patrol Boat in Vietnam, various staff assignments at Coast Guard Headquarters, and commands of Coast Guard Group St. Petersburg and the 11th Coast Guard District. As a telecommunications specialist, on multiple occasions, he represented the United States at major international maritime and telecommunications conferences. His post-graduate education included a BS in Communications Engineering from the US Naval Postgraduate School, a Masters Degree in Communications Engineering from The George Washington University (first in his cohort), and he was a graduate of the US Army War College. His military service awards include: Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Bronze Star, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal. In 1993, following his military service, Ed formed Gilbert & Associates, Inc. This company provided dedicated senior level consulting for a wide array of companies, both domestic and international, and specialized in Maritime Telecommunications. He continued this work throughout his lifetime. He was a well-respected representative and member of numerous organizations. He was especially proud of his work with Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Services (RTCM) and the Coast Guard Foundation. Ed was an avid golfer with a single digit handicap for most of his life. In later years, he could even claim to shoot his age. Central to his core, however, was his love and dedication to his family. He strove to develop strong relationships and positively influence those dear to him. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Melinda, daughters Pamela Kennedy (Richmond, VA) and Sabrina Brassard (Arlington, VA), six grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and his sister, Joyce Holland (Thomaston, GA). He was preceded in death by his son, Marshall E. Gilbert, Jr., and brothers Eugene Gilbert and John Gilbert. If you have any questions or if you would like to reach the family, you can contact [email protected] or search the Murphy’s Funeral Home web-site. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider contributing to the Coast Guard Foundation or to NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the US Coast Guard Foundation, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), or any other charity of your choice. Internment at Arlington National Cemetery is expected early next year.