Jack (Gilmette) Gilbert, 90, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 11, 2020 at Our Lady’s Haven.
Born on September 17, 1929 in New Bedford, as one of 13 children to the late Maurice and Mary Ayad-Diaz Gilbert. Jack attended local schools before moving to Sacramento, CA where he lived for many years in addition to Rhode Island and Nevada before returning to Massachusetts.
As a Korean War Army Vet, he served with the 5 RTC and was awarded the prestigious Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars.
For many years Jack travelled the world as a Merchant Seaman for Texaco as part of TRC (Texaco Repair Crew). He also worked for Sealift Automation Lines (Texaco) until his retirement.
Affectionately known by his grandchildren as “Pi”, Jack was well known for his teasing and saying corny jokes. He loved music, especially Creole music. He was an avid bodybuilder (he competed professionally for the Mr. California) and exercised daily; right up to the day when he couldn’t any longer.
He was a member of the Dr. C.E. Burt Chapter 7 of the Disabled American Veterans, the Bisca Tournament Club, and the East Providence Cape Verdean Progressive Club.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty (Rose) Gilmette; Sons, Fred Gilmette and wife Cora; and Kevin Gilmette and wife Jackie. Sisters, Rosemarie Jesus and Elinor Borges and husband Manuel. Stepchildren, Donna DeSilva, Dianne Fontes, Dahlene James, Toni Ortez and husband Conrad, Gerry and wife Barbara, Laura Lopes. Stepson-in-law, Gerry Fontes; Brother-in-law, John Baptiste and wife Justina; and many Grand & Great-Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.
He is predeceased by his Son, Jack Gilmette, Jr.; Siblings, John, Joe, Arthur, Morris, Janet and Julia Gilbert, Anna Gomes and husband Ronald Gomes, Dolores Nunn, Gladys DeGrace and Alice Lessa-Duarte, Step-daughter, Debbie Fontes, Stepson, George Lopes and wife Kathy and Stepson-in-law, Sherman James,
Due to current restrictions on public gatherings, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Our Lady’s Haven, 71 Center St., Fairhaven, MA 02719. We would like to especially thank Our Lady’s Haven and staff, for their loving care of Jack. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.