John A. Gilbertson, 59, of Derry, NH, passed away April 24, 2022, at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer. John was born December 9, 1962, in Woburn, MA and was a son of Doris (O’Donnell) and the late Charles H. Gilbertson. He was raised and educated in Woburn. John decided to learn a trade so went to a vocational tech in Woburn and joined the carpenter’s union.
John served his country in the US Navy from 1989-1992 aboard the USS Independence, USS Ranger & the HSL43 Helo Squadron. After his military service, John worked onboard a commercial fishing vessel out of San Diego, CA along with miscellaneous odd jobs. He loved the Pacific Ocean, spending hours at the beach, weekends with friends in the desert and riding his motorcycle. He & his wife Kat decided to spend time with her family in Colorado where John returned to working in the carpenter’s union. He loved the Rocky Mountains and spent many weekends camping with his wife. After 5 years they returned home to his hometown of Woburn, MA where he resumed working as a Union Carpenter in Local 218 Boston, MA. John loved mechanical things and was able to fix just about anything with an engine or motor that you could break, and was a talented woodworker. He enjoyed food and cooking for family and friends. He loved his wife, his family and his friends and truly just wanted the people around him to be genuinely happy.
In addition to his mother, members of the family include, his wife of 30 years, Kathleen (Moore) Gilbertson, a brother Chuck, two sisters, Liane Mielke and her husband Scott, and Beverly Griffiths and her husband David; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
After cremation, a Memorial reception with Military Honors, will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2022, from 6 to 8pm at the Peabody Funeral Home and Crematorium, 15 Birch Street Derry, NH. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree or commit a random act of kindness.