Gary Gilbert

Gary Gilbert of Aiken, South Carolina, departed this life peacefully on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, on September 22, 1950, to the late Emile R. Gilbert and Joanna Wanda Gilbert, Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated community member who enriched the lives of all who knew him.

A man of unwavering dedication and service, Gary served proudly in the United States Army, a testament to his relentless courage and steadfast devotion to his country. In his professional life, Gary exemplified hard work as a truck driver and was an active member of the Teamsters Union, where he fostered friendships and camaraderie with his fellow drivers.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Lou Cureton Gilbert, treasured daughter Jacqueline Marie (Candido) Rivera of Goose Creek, SC, devoted son Jeremy Ryan Gilbert of Aiken, cherished brothers, Kim (Linda) Gilbert of Tennessee, and Jeffrey Gilbert of Connecticut. The joy of his life were his grandchildren, Anthony Michael (Tiffany) Rivera and Alyssa M. (Donavan) Rivera, who blessed him with great-grandchildren Audrianna Rivera, Anthony Rivera, Jr., and Madison M. Daley—bringing immense pride and happiness into his later years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Gilbert.

Gary was an enthusiastic supporter of several noble causes. In honoring his charitable spirit, donations in his memory may be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation, Post Office Box 780990, Philadelphia, PA, 19178-0990, The American Brain Tumor Research Center, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste 550

Chicago, IL 60631 or Wounded Warriors, Post Office Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516

Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm in The Downtown Historic George Chapel, 211 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801 with the Rev. Tod Wilson officiating. Interment with Military honors will follow in Aiken Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends on Saturday afternoon, March 1, 2025, from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 649-6234.