John S. Gilbert

John Sekinger Gilbert, 85, of Exeter Township and formerly of Lower Alsace Township, died December 9, 2008 in the Berkshire Center, Exeter Township, following a lengthy illness.

He was the husband of Helen Frances (Wanner) Gilbert, whom he married June 1, 1946.

Born July 22, 1923 in Stamford, CT., he was a son of the late Bertram C. and Carrie (Beck) Gilbert.

He was a 1943 graduate of West Reading High School.

John was employed as a furniture refinisher with Gilbert's Furniture, Reading.

He was also self-employed for many years, working from his Friedensburg Road residence, that he and his wife owned for 40 years.

John was a member of the Craftsmens Guild and for 60 years, his vocation and avocation was refinishing furniture.

He assisted his lifelong friend, Robert E. Kerper, Jr. during the Scenic River Day Fests.

In 2007, John was the Grand Marshal of the West Reading Centennial Parade.

He also served as a part-time police officer with West Reading Borough.

John was very active with the West Reading Playground Association, where he was a past president and known for his "fire dive" at the West Reading Pool Water Pageants in the 40's, 50's and 60's.

He had many scholastic accomplishments, including: 1942 District 3 High Jump Champion; 1942 Berks County High Jump Champion and 1942 Berks Diving Champion.

John was also on the first All Berks Basketball Team and was named the the Berks Soccer All Star Team and West Reading High School outstanding athlete his senior year and was a member of the wrestling and swimming teams at West Reading High School.

He was a former member of Bethany Lutheran Church, West Reading.

John was an Navy veteran of WWII, where he was stationed in the South Pacific as a parachute rigger, first class.

John is also survived by two sons: John M., husband of Mary Anne Gilbert of Lower Alsace Township and Robert W., husband of Diane Gilbert of Robesonia.

Other survivors include a brother; Rev. Bertram Gilbert of Virginia; four grandchildren: Thomas Gilbert, Sara Gilbert, Aimee, wife of Steve Sargent and Kristen, wife of Luis Osorio and four great grandchildren: Brandon Sargent, Elizabeth Sargent, Tyler Osorio and Kaitlyn Osorio.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday at 4:00 pm in Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, with the Rev. Dr. Robert G. Aregood officating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Forest Hills Memorial Park, Exeter Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Zion's United Church of Christ, 824 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com