Gilbert was born November 20, 1950 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Gilbert J. Lema and Laura Lema. He graduated from North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and served in the United States Air Force. He was retired from BWAY Corporation in Memphis, Tennessee. Gilbert was a faithful Catholic and belonged to Nativity Catholic Church, where he was a member of Knights of Columbus and volunteered with Prison Ministries Services.
During the course of his career, Gilbert and his family were relocated for his job, living in several states. He spent many years raising his children in Escalon, California. He also lived in Columbus, Indiana; Rochelle, Illinois; Stevens Point, Wisconsin; and finally, Memphis, Tennessee, where he has been living since 1998.
He and his wife enjoyed spending time with family, and the occasional trip to casinos. Known as “Butchie” to his brothers and sisters, he was full of life and enjoyed gardening and home-improvement projects. Gilbert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend.
Mr. Lema is survived by his wife, Linda Lema of Memphis, Tennessee; 4 daughters, Shannon Thomas of Greenville, Pennsylvania, Michelle Reichenberg of Tracy, California, Erin Birmingham of Arlington, Tennessee, Amanda Robbins of Perry, Georgia; His step-daughter, Elizabeth Andry of Greenwood, Indiana; His step-son, Freddie Stingley of Lakeland, Tennessee; 3 sisters, Mary Ann LaLonde, Sandy Barber, Patty Lema of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; 2 brothers, Joseph Lema and James Lema of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Gilbert and Laura Lema of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
