John Alfred Gilbert

Gilbert, John A. 77, of Weeki Wachee, FL, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019 after a long battle with heart disease. He was surrounded at the time by his loving family.

Mr. Gilbert was a native and long-time resident of Lynn, MA. He attended the local schools in Lynn before attending and graduating from Burdett Accounting School in 1962. From there he joined the Army National Guard where he attended the officer’s academy, and he served as a 1st Lieutenant during the years of the Vietnam War. He then attended and graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting in 1973. He spent his professional career doing accounting in notable firms such as Foster Grant and the Polaroid Corporation.

John was a Past Master of Bethlehem Lodge A.F. & A.M., a member of Mt. Carmel Lodge A.F. & A.M., and an affiliate of Golden Fleece Lodge A.F. & A.M. He was Past District Grand Secretary of the Lynn Eighth Masonic District, Past High Priest of Sutton Royal Arch Chapters, a member of Olivet Commandery, and Scottish Rite Valley of Salem, MA.

John lived a full life and had many interests. He took several trips to Europe with his wife Rae and lifelong friends. He loved collecting stamps and coins. He was well known amongst family and friends for his gardening. He had beautiful Hybrid Lilies and Iris at his former Lynn home. He loved playing Chess and Cribbage, and had become an avid Canasta player with his new Florida friends. He also enjoyed tracing his family ancestry back to 900 A.D. He was honest and full of integrity, and so loved by his family. He loved the Florida weather and birdwatching while sitting out on the lanai.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rae; their three children and their spouses: Sharon and Randy Driscoll of Wilmington, NC, Todd and Janet Gilbert of Beverly, MA, and Jonathan and Elizabeth Gilbert of Wells, MA; six grandchildren: Taylor and Chad Driscoll, Jacob and Madison Gilbert, and Kathryn and Sean Gilbert; her sister Susan Holcomb of Ipswich, MA; a special brother-in-law Scott Herald of Belleair Bluffs, FL; a special cousin/sister Judy Herald of Weeki Wachee, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held in Lynn, MA in July.