Gil was born in Providence, RI, on June 27, 1922, and was the only son of Rose and Murray Salk. Educated in Boston at Boston Latin School, Gil went on to earn a degree at University of Massachusetts before marrying the love of his life, Jacqueline Salk. Gil and Jackie were married for 72 years, up until her passing in 2015. They were the proud parents of sons Larry, and his wife Jane, David, and his wife Susan, grandchildren Amy & Michael, and his wife Heather, and great-grandchildren Avery and Cecily.
Prior to taking the helm at The Salk Company, Gil enlisted in the US Army Air Force and served as a 1st Lieutenant and Bombardier aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress. Gil flew 25 combat missions over Germany, and 2 mercy missions, dropping food and supplies into Holland, before Europe was liberated.
After WWII, Gil and his wife Jackie put down deep roots first in Brighton and then in Newton. Raising their two sons in Waban, they were active at Temple Reyim and at the Chestnut Hill Country Club, where they fostered many lifelong friends.
Gil was an avid golfer and gin player and coached both his sons in Little League. A diehard Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins fan, Gil always knew the score and the rundown of the game. The son of immigrants, Gil prized the freedoms he fought so hard to preserve.
Beyond his accomplishments in business, Gil was, above all, a devoted son, husband, father, and trusted friend. Though quiet, even shy, Gil embodied the traits of the Greatest Generation that touched many people, even in his last days.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Donations to Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or the charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18