CHICOPEE – Joseph P. Gilman, Sr., 84, of the Aldenville section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Tuesday, March 10, 2015. He passed into Eternal Life at Holyoke Medical Center after being stricken at his home surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Albany, New York on January 24, 1931, a beloved son of the late Peter J. and Ellen R. (Delisle) Gilman. He was raised in Albany until his family moved to Easthampton. He later lived in Belchertown for 46 years before moving to the Aldenville section of Chicopee in 2008. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War and attained the rank of Seaman Apprentice. He was employed for 46 years as a machinist for the former Hamilton Standard Company in Windsor Locks, CT, which later became United Technologies. Following his retirement, he was a special needs bus driver for the Van Pool Transportation Company in Palmer. During his younger years, Joe had his own musical band and was a well-known musician who could play almost any instrument. His band often played at the former Ron-Roc Restaurant on New Ludlow Road in Chicopee. He was a member of the American Legion. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend of 47 years, Lorraine C. (Rivet) Zaleski Gilman; his four loving children, Joseph P. Gilman Jr. of Turners Falls, Wayne B. Zaleski and his wife, MaryAnn, of Somers, CT, and Debra A. Moran and Dale A. Zaleski, both of Belchertown; his nine cherished grandchildren, Sadie, Jake and Sophia Gilman, Daniel, Nicholas and Kristen Zaleski, David Moran and his wife, Christina, Brent Moran and his wife, Joelle, and Danielle Zaleski; his cherished great-granddaughter, Autumn Moran; and several dear nephews and nieces. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his loving son-in-law, Michael Moran. His relatives and friends are invited to a Service of Committal with US Navy Military Honors on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001. There are no visiting hours at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Aldenville Chapels, (413-532-9806), 13 Dale Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com