Michael J. Gilbert
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Michael James Gilbert, 61, a resident of 122 High Street, Apt. 3, passed unexpectedly on Friday, December 31, 2020 at Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA due to a cardiac incident that occurred on the previous day.
He was born in Greenfield, MA, on April 1, 1959 to Winston "Pete" Gilbert and the former Annmarie Kavanaugh. Michael was raised in Montague Center, MA, attended Montague Public Schools and was a graduate of Turners Falls High School in the Class 1977.
Michael was employed at The Recorder, in the press room for several years, later as a security guard for the Securitas Security Company in Northampton, MA for several years. Later, he was employed by the Franklin Medical Center in the physical plant as a custodian. At the time of his passing, Michael was employed by Stop & Shop in the Seafood Department of the Greenfield Store. He was also a driver/courier for the Meals on Wheels Program for Life Path.
Michael was an avid fan of The New York Football Giants - a self-proclaimed "G-Man" in the midst of Patriot Nation. He redeemed himself as a devoted Red Sox fan! Michael and the late Chuck Wasileski frequented numerous games at Fenway Park over their many years of friendship, as well as collegiate basketball games in the greater Boston area.
Michael was a member of the North Leverett Baptist Church where he was an active volunteer in the congregation's food pantry. He was an avid golfer, along with his brothers and his late father. They could be found chasing the little white "pill" at the former Oak Ridge Golf Course in Gill, MA. Michael was a movie enthusiast, who enjoyed the police drama "Blue Bloods", action films and comedies.
Michael will be remembered by family, friends and coworkers, for his gentle spirit, kindness of heart and for his selflessness. He is much loved by his family and his wide circle of friends. He will be greatly missed, and always remembered.
He leaves his loving mother, Annmarie K. Newton and her husband, Frank "Bill" Newton, of Erving, MA, as well as his siblings: Julie Ann Johnson of Springdale, Utah and her daughter Sarah Davis (Chance), Peter W. Gilbert (Brenda) of Brattleboro, VT., and Paul J. Gilbert (Tamera Besser-Gilbert) of Chicago, IL and their children: Olivia Besser-Gilbert of Chicago, IL and Alex Besser-Gilbert of AZ. Michael is also remembered with great affection by his Uncle, William Kavanaugh of Florida, and several cousins. Michael was predeceased by his father Winston "Pete" Gilbert, on June 21, 2007 and by several members of his extended loving "Kavanaugh" family.
A Memorial Service is planned in 2021, for family and friends when COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Services will be held at the Covenant Church, 19 Bridge Street, Millers Falls, MA, with Rev. Michael Hill, Pastor to officiate, assisted by Rev. Mark Brussel, Pastor of the North Leverett Baptist Church. Committal services will be private in the Green River Cemetery, Greenfield, MA.
Expressions of affection are suggested in the form of a charitable contribution in Michael's memory, to either the Covenant Church, in c/o "Mission Fund", 19 Bridge Street, Millers Falls, MA 01349 or to the North Leverett Baptist Church, in /co "Food Pantry", 70 North Leverett Road, Leverett, MA 01054.
The McCarthy Funeral Homes of Greenfield and Turners Falls, MA, have been entrusted with the arrangements. Guest book and condolence message available at www.mccarthyfuneralhomes.com