Dr. Alan Russ Gilbert

Dr. Alan Russ Gilbert, age 87, passed away at home on November 10, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born to the late Lee and Iris Gilbert on August 27, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio. His family moved to Gary, Indiana, in 1947, where he graduated from William A. Wirt High School in 1957. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Case Western University and earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 1966. He served as a Lieutenant and physician in the U.S. Navy stationed in Camp Pendleton before completing his dermatology residency at the Cleveland Clinic. In 1972, Dr. Gilbert opened his own dermatology practice in Fort Wayne where he cared for patients until his retirement in 2019.

In his 50 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Gilbert had a gift for making every patient feel known. He remembered their names, took interest in their lives, and listened with genuine care. His kindness extended beyond the exam room. He would call patients at home and even make an occasional house call. He will be remembered as a dedicated and hard working man who loved his profession and cared deeply about his patients.

Dr. Gilbert gave his time to the community he called home. He volunteered as a Big Brother and remained involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters for many years. He served on the Southwest Allen County School Board, including a term as President, and supported many local organizations and charities. At the Temple, Congregation Achduth Vesholom, he took particular joy in singing with the choir. He also loved his lunches with the ROMEO’s (Retired Old Men Eating Out).

Dr. Gilbert was an avid runner in his younger years and ran many road races, including the 1983 Hooks Fort Wayne Marathon, and enjoyed many Saturday runs with his daughter. He stayed connected to the local running community through his service on the Fort Wayne Track Club board from 1997 through 2003. He enjoyed playing golf with his sons, eating out at the Fort Wayne Country Club, cheering on Indiana football and basketball, and the Indianapolis Colts, reading, and living the lake life on Lake Wawasee.

Dr. Gilbert will be remembered as the most loving husband, dad, Papa, brother, friend, and physician who made a habit of putting others first. He loved his three children, three step-children, ten grandchildren and seven step-grandchildren dearly, but there was nothing he was more passionate about than the love of his life, Barb. He constantly looked out for her, caring for her deeply, never wanting to leave her side.

Besides his parents, Dr. Alan Gilbert was preceded in death by his son, Dr. John Gilbert.

Dr. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Barbara Gilbert; son, Dr. Tom (Amy) Gilbert; daughter, Suzi (Garett) Carolus; brother, Bruce (Lien) Gilbert; step-sons, Doug (Marla) Fahl and Blake Fahl; step-daughter, Britte (Scott) Smith; grandsons, Adam Gilbert, Mitch Gilbert, James Swinehart, Kyle Gilbert, Matthew Swinehart, Max Gilbert, Eli Swinehart; granddaughters, Ally Gilbert, Ruby Gilbert, and Alexandria Swinehart; step-granddaughters, Meghan (Jose) Perez, Madison (Ben) Murphy, Chelsea (Jake) Sittler, Audrey (Drake) Dewitt, Amelia Fahl, Morgan Wilson, Baylee Smith; and many other friends and family who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Covington Knolls, 8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne (46804) on Monday, November 16, 2026 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm. A service will be also held also at the Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Temple Congregation Achduth Vesholom.