Paul Eric Gildersleeve “Rick”. On May 17, 2018. Peacefully, after a long illness, he passed away at home with his beloved wife of 45 years, Sara, by his side.
He was 70 years old. Husband of the former Sara Taylor; beloved father of Molly Gildersleeve Eads (spouse of Jessica Eads); brother of Diane G. Pyle (wife of Floyd), the reverend Robert K. Gildersleeve (husband of the former Karen Lydic), Jennifer G. Dunkle, and Adrienne G. Siciliano (wife of Joseph), and brother-in-law of Dan Dunkle. He was preceded in death by his parents Jean L. and B. Kirk Gildersleeve, life-long residents of Oakmont.
Rick is survived by a large family that includes his Uncle Bob Robinson, beloved cousins, and nieces and nephews. He has made life-long friends, many of whom shared Rick’s love of making music and caring for others. As a young man, Rick pursued the dream of many to play guitar and sing.
He and wife Sara, with friends, began in high school what would become a lifetime pursuit: to make music and share it with others. They went on to form a number of performing bands, the most well known, St. Thomas. They performed, locally, for many years.
A measure of their popularity was that St. Thomas was the opening act at a concert at CMU by Steve Goodman, writer of “City of New Orleans”. St. Thomas traveled the country in pursuit of the musical life. Later he and Sara joined friends to form other bands, such as the ChriSam Band, Gildersleeve, and Sara and the Spare Parts.
In his 40s, Rick decided to change direction and formalize his interest in and compassion for people by training to become a licensed social worker and therapist. After earning his MSW and acquiring his licensure, he joined the staff of St. Francis Hospital and worked with clients in many areas, including addiction and dual diagnosis. Eventually, he developed a private practice with an office in Blawnox.
He went on to work with clients for a number of years. With the onset of illness, changes came to his working life. Even though Rick had left behind performing music years before, he continued to play and love music.
But it was with special regret that his illness intruded on his ability to treat his beloved clients. He closed his practice with deep regret. In the end, he was especially delighted that many of his family continued to pursue careers in human service and the arts, especially his nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 21, 2018 from 4-8 pm at English Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc, 378 Maryland Ave, Oakmont, PA 15139. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 10:30 am in St. Thomas Memorial Episcopal Church, Oakmont. Everyone please meet at church.
Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family asks that donations be made to St. Thomas Memorial Episcopal Church, Oakmont Clock Restoration Fund.
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