Bruce Nelson Gilbert, 83, Cherished His Family, Friends and Country
Bruce Nelson Gilbert, 83, of Lancaster, Pa., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., Bruce was the son of the late Edwin Gilbert and Jean Lillian Nelson Gilbert.
Bruce had called Lancaster home since 1974, when he moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, he spent five memorable years in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, returning to Lancaster, loving his life and friends. He grew up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, and from the sixth grade, attended New York Military Academy for both middle and high school. A proud veteran, Bruce served his country in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968. He later graduated from Rutgers University, building a successful life rooted in dedication to his family and community.
Bruce loved being called Dad; he also loved being called “P-Pa” by his five grandchildren and all of their many friends. His favorite things to do were to watch lacrosse games at the University of Delaware and Haverford, spend time in Baltimore and the Elkridge Club with all the Moreaus, and most of all, spend time with family and friends at the Jersey Shore, both in Lavallette and Avalon. He was also very thankful for the friends and colleagues he had in Lancaster and cherished his “Lunch Bunch” outings and breakfast at the Rohrerstown Diner and Miss Callie’s.
In addition to his family and friends, Bruce’s other greatest love was for his country. Bruce was a very proud American and Vietnam Veteran, having served in the Army. He would always remind anyone who would listen that, despite the challenges we have here in the United States, it is the greatest place on Earth and we should all be proud of our country and serve in any way we can. In his later years, Bruce continued to serve the Veterans Association of America, including participating in holiday fundraising events and driving fellow veterans to their doctor appointments. Bruce is survived by his two loving daughters, Leslie Gilbert Gillin (Stephen) and Kelly Gilbert Moreau (Matthew); and his five cherished grandchildren, Riley Gillin, Patrick Gillin, Teddy Gillin, Henry Moreau and Lilly Moreau. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his daughters, Sally A. Shoals. Bruce was preceded in death by his brother, Jules A. Gilbert.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to celebrate Bruce’s life at Gray Funeral Home, 318 East Broad Street, Westfield, N.J. 07090, on Monday, November 4, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held starting at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery and Arboretum, 1100 East Broad Street, Westfield, N.J. 07090.You may go to grayfuneralhomes.com for online condolences.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Wounded Warrior Project. To share memories and leave condolences, please visit Bruce’s memorial page at www.TheGroffs.com.
October 31, 2024
