He was born on July 12, 1941, the son of Burnell and Viola (Valley) White. He attended local schools and was a graduate of Keene High School.
Gilbert worked for many years as a machinist with the former American Optical Corporation and Kingsbury Corporation, both of Keene. He also worked at the Keene Clinic, Monadnock Vending, Staples, and Keene Chrysler Garage.
In the mid 60’s and again in the early 90’s, Gilly was a basketball coach for many CYO teams at St. Bernards Catholic Church. He coached Babe Ruth baseball in the late 80’s. He also enjoyed playing as well as coaching softball teams in the Greater Keene Area Men’s Softball League.
He loved his morning coffee ritual and going for long rides. A stop at Doug’s Dogs or for an ice cream wasn’t out of the question. He was a fan of all the Boston sports teams, however watching the Celtics was his favorite. He enjoyed going to Swampbat ball games, and any KHS Blackbird’s sporting events. He could often be seen swinging his cane with joy from the bleachers.
He will be missed by many, especially his two sons, Joshua White and his girlfriend Sheryl Newton of Wilson, Wyo., Seth White and his girlfriend Heather Hurless of South San Francisco, CA; Gilly lost his longtime partner Doreen Gnade in 2018 and is fondly remembered by her son Phillip Shepard of Keene.
A celebration of Gilly’s life and gathering will be held on Sunday November 9 from 1-4pm at the Keene State College Camp on Wilson Pond, 19 Page Ct. North Swanzey, NH. All are welcome. Burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, Keene, will be held privately by the family at a later date.
For those who wish, donations may be made in Mr. White’s memory to St. Joseph’s Regional School, 92 Wilson St. Keene NH 03431
