Terry Donald Gilbert of Johnstown, PA who enjoyed traveling has embarked on the greatest trip of all in the Awe, Glory, Majesty and Splendor of Heaven. He began this journey on December 15, 2018 and is now in the presence of Jesus Christ his Savior and Almighty God. He was born in Johnstown, PA on September 14, 1936, son of Donald and Henrietta Gilbert.
He was married to Lois Jean (Stewart) Gilbert for 63 years whom he met at the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown where they attended. They were married in 1955 in “The Little White Church” (Oakland United Methodist) by Rev. Benton McKee.
He and his wife considered themselves to be a team of three which included Jesus their Savior. Terry was preceded in death by infant son Terry Donald Gilbert, Jr, and iinfant great-grandson Desmond Gallo. Also preceding him were his parents, brothersin- law David Watters and Victor Merle Stewart, Jr. and numerous aunts and uncles.
Surviving Terry are his wife, daughters Marcia Lynne Shetler (Rev. David Shetler) and Beth Suzanne Adoette, brother Charles Gilbert (Myrna), sister Cynthia Watters and sisters-in-law Sally Stewart and Roberta “Bobbie” Stewart. He is also survived by grandchildren Meagan Shetler, Matthew Shetler (Kylie), Ethan Gallo (Nicole), and Anna Gallo.
Great-grandcildren were added blessings! They are Macey Shetler, Lola Shetler, Emery Shetler, Lilah Gallo,and Avalena Gallo. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who loved him and enjoyed his wit and humor.
They could always count on a good laugh at family gatherings when Uncle Terry. was there. Terry graduated from Johnstown High School in 1954 and then attended the University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown, PA where he studied Liberal Arts and Marketing.
He received the American Legion Leadership Award in High School. He was President and part owner of Benshoff Printing Company for many years. Following his retirement he worked at New Day, Inc. where he was a liason to the business community.
He was epecially pleased to secure the Christmas Gift Wrapping Booth for New Day at the Galleria Mall. He was a leader in and contributor to the Johnstown community . He served on the Lee Hospital Health Services Board and also as a member of the Board of Incorporators.
He was President of Friends of New Day, President of Flood City Region AACA, President of the Johnstown Rotary Club 1983-84 and was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. He also served on the Johnstown Salvation Army Board. He had many talents and hobbies including singing, writing, speaking, teaching, leadership, piano, traveling, fishing, bicycling, antique cars and volunteering.
After his retirement he and Lois became“Snow Birds” and spent many winters in Florida. They also were “Full Timers” in their motor home for over seven years. They visited 49 states, Canada, Bermuda and several Carribean Islands and many National Parks Terry enjoyed bicycling many miles a day, often with friends or by himself aenjoying the trails ahead.
He. cycled around Lake Okechobee, the largest lake in Florida and.completed many Rails to Trails. He organized a bicycle club at one of the resorts where they stayed in Florida.
He and his wife were Co-Editors of newsletters for the Florida Flywheelers and the Flood City Region for several years. They volnteered together at the 1889 Johnstown Flood Memorial as inerpreters. Terry was an Arbutus Park Ambassador.
He and Lois shared their mutual enjoyment in the antique car hobby including restoration, touring, car shows, and club memberships including Life membership in AACA. Terry received the 1st Grand National Award from AACA when he restored a 1931 Chrysler CM6 Roadster, which they toured in to Florida and back on a Glidden Tour. He earned the Master Editor Award given by the Antique Automobile Club of America for his work as Editor of the Flood City Region of AACA and was a Charter Member of the club.
They participated in many week-long Glidden Tours in different antique cars and in different locations of the country and Canada. He was a member of the Oakland United Methodist Church for over 60 years, which was founded by some of his ancestors. He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, served on many committees and was a soloist at weddings.
He was a Lay Speaker and Lay Leader. He and his wife taught Christian Financial Concepts. together at various churches and did financial counseling through New Day, Inc. Terry felt honored to give the sermon at two of his 1954 Johnstown High School Calss reunions.
Terry served his country as a member of the Army National Guard 876 th Engineer Batallion. He was honest, faithful, loving, hard working, caring, generous, compassionate snd witty. .
He always endeavored to reflect his Savior’s character in his work, hobbies, and with business associates and friends. He cherished his wife and family and were greatful for many friends. His favorite verse in the Bible was John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them gave he power to become the shildren of God.
, even to them that bellieve on His name”. The family would like to express their deep gratitude for all those who lovingly attended to his medical and spiritual needs. Family and friends will be received from 2:00 PM till 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at the Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane in Richland.
The Christian funeral service will be held at the Oakland United Methodist Church, 1504 Befdford Street on Wednesday, December 19,2018. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and the funeral at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Randy Bain officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Terry’s memory to the Oakland United Methodist Church’s Rise Up Higher Campaign, New Day, Inc. or Arbutus Park Manor. . Terry, Grandpa, Pappaw, Uncle Terry will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
To God be the Glory.
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