Stephen Allan Gilbert

Stephen (Steve) A. Gilbert was born in Bayridge Brooklyn, NY to Borghild Stephensen and Hans Gilbert. He passed away on November 16, 2024. He was 84 years old.

Upon high school graduation he enlisted in the Navy and was assigned to the USS Fiske destroyer. This gave him the opportunity to visit the coastal cities in Europe and Cuba He served active duty and several years as a reservist. He said that this was one of the happiest times of his life. He regretted not making the Navy his career.

After the Navy, Steve graduated from Augustana College in South Dakota. He then traveled, lived and worked throughout the country from Alaska to New York. After his 25th address change, his sister Joan joked that he needed an address book just for himself. He eventually settled in Cranford, NJ where he lived for 46 years. 

Among his many jobs, Steve held management positions at New York Life and Mutual Benefit Life insurance companies. Later he transitioned to teaching at Raritan Valley and Union County colleges as a computer applications instructor.

When he settled in Cranford, he married Loretta C. Young. A few years later they had a son Andrew Young-Gilbert. Steve was a wonderful husband and good father. Every day he showed how much he loved his family.

Having attended Boy Scout Camp as a youth, Steve developed a love for the outdoors. He was an avid skier, runner and cyclist. He liked to take photos. The family called him the cookie monster since he never met a cookie he didn’t love, Steve was a caring man who made sandwiches for the homeless for St. Joseph’s, sorted food at the CFNJ foodbank, donated cars to charities such as Habitat for Humanity etc. He donated many years as a member and the webmaster for www.ussfiske.org website. He was also a member of Tin Can Sailors. 

Steve ‘s mother Borghild, father Hans, sister Joan and other relatives all predeceased him. In addition to his wife Loretta and son Andrew, he leaves 3 sisters in law, 2 brothers in law, a niece and her husband, a nephew, a grand-niece and 2 grand-nephews.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories at the Memorial Service and Gray’s website. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Steve’s memory to the Red Cross is encouraged.