SALEM – Mr. Robert F. "Bob" Gilbert, 82 of Salem, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024 at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford with his family by his side.

Born in Salem, Bob was the son of the late George Gilbert and Helen (Symonds) Gilbert. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem High School, class of 1960. Bob was proud of his first-generation British ancestor, James Symonds, a documented maker of c. 1600's furniture in Salem, Massachusetts.

Bob served his country from 1964 to 1966 with honor during the Vietnam War and was decorated with various military honors for his service including the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, 2nd Class Gunner and Markman (M-14). His pride and joy stemmed from his Combat Infantryman's Badge, symbolizing his courage and commitment to duty.

Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Bob continued his education at Northeastern University where he received his bachelor's degree in Radiologic Technology. In his professional career, Bob dedicated himself to the healthcare industry as a radiological technician dedicating a lengthy professional career at Salem Hospital/Northshore Medical Center. His expertise and passion for his work shone through as he guided and trained fellow technicians, instilling in them the same dedication and care that he had for his patients. This came full circle when Bob's health was failing and those who cared for him at Salem Hospital were fellow interns he trained and certified as technicians.

Throughout his life, Robert's love for Salem knew no bounds. From its rich history to its vibrant culture, he embraced every facet of his city with unwavering passion. Though life brought him to California and Hawaii for many years, the last 35 years of Bob's life he returned back to the City of Salem. Salem was not just a place to him; it was home, where his heart found solace and his spirit thrived. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Bob was one of Rockafellas (Essex Street in Salem) first patron's and over the past 21 years spent many hours socializing there and could be seen sipping his Pinot Grigio as he watched the tourists frolicking by - he truly loved the place, its staff and especially the McKillop Family.

"Uncle Bob" will be especially missed by his nephew, Christopher Gilbert, who cared for him during his illness.

Bob is survived by his brothers, James Gilbert of Peabody and George Gilbert of CT and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and numerous extended loving family members. Bob was predeceased by his parents, George and Helen, his brothers, Richard and Kenneth Gilbert and sister, Barbara Morton.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bob's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Thursday, July 25th at 12 P.M. (NOON). Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem to follow. A visiting hour will be held 1 hour prior to his service from 11 A.M. to 12 NOON. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project ( www.woundedarriorproject.org ). To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Wounded Warrior Project
P.O. Box 758516, Topeka KS 66675-8516
Tel: 1-877-832-6997
Web: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/