| Date Deceased | May 4, 2024 |
| Hometown | Canaseraga |
| Home State | N.Y. |
Gary E. Gilbert and Donna K. Gilbert
CANASERAGA – Gary E. Gilbert, 85, passed away peacefully early Friday morning (May 3rd, 2024) at Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville, where his wife, Donna K. Gilbert, also 85, passed away peacefully, early Saturday morning (May 4th, 2024), less than 23 hours later.
They were married at the Larger Parish Church in Canaseraga and would have celebrated 66 years of marriage on Sept. 14, 2024.
Gary was born in the Town of Burns on Oct. 16, 1938, a son of the late Ezra and Helen (Higgins) Gilbert. Donna was born in the Town of Howard on July 8, 1938, a daughter of the late George and Anna (Morse) Bennett.
They were both graduates of Canaseraga Central School, class of 1956. Gary was a farmer his entire life and has owned and operated Lost Valley Farms in Canaseraga since the early 1970s.
He was a lifelong member of the Larger Parish Church and served many terms on the church council. Gary also was a member of the Allegany Landowners Fish and Wildlife Management Board of Directors. He was a 15-year member of the Canaseraga Central School Board, served 22 years as a Supervisor for the Town of Burns, and was the Chairman of the Arkport Agway Petroleum Council for 20 years. Gary sold Dekalb seed corn for about 15 years. He enjoyed sports, especially basketball and baseball, and was a referee for Allegany and Steuben Counties basketball.
Donna was also a lifelong member of the Larger Parish Church and devoted her life to being a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening and homemaking. Donna especially liked to do for everyone else.
Both Gary and Donna loved their family dearly and cherished the times they spent together.
They are survived by their children, John Gilbert (Nicole McIntosh), Kim Gaylord and Vicki Galloway all of Canaseraga and David Gilbert of Hornell; grandchildren, Brittany Gilbert (Dan Bishop), Brianne Gilbert, Landon (Amber) Gilbert, Jaylen Galloway and Hannah Galloway, Michael Gilbert and Morgan Gilbert and a great-grandchild, Emerson Bishop; their beloved dog, Paige; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Gary is also survived by his sister, Janice Thomas of Ohio, and his brother, Bruce (Betsy) Gilbert of Virginia.
They were predeceased by their son, Roger Gilbert; grandson, Connor Gilbert, and daughter-in-law, Kim Gilbert. Donna was also predeceased by her brother, Fay (Barbara) Bennett, and her sister, Linda (Everett) Lead.
A celebration of their lives will take place at a later date, and at a time and place to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in their memories to the Larger Parish Church, 20 Pratt St., Canaseraga, NY 14822.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist the Gilbert family with Gary and Donna’s arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
I have known the Gilbert’s for many years. We enjoyed many night campfires and dinners together. I will miss the stories and laughter. My husband and I considered them family. The loss of both of is heartbreaking but I was told that it was Gary’s wish. The world is a little less bright without them. Godspeed to both of you. Love and prayers for the family.
What a beautiful picture and eloquent narrative to celebrate the lives of Gary and Donna. Thank you to the family for sharing at this time.
Gary and Donna were my classmates, CCS 1956, and close lifelong friends. They were the salt of the earth and the essence of meaningful life to all who knew them. They knew how to work hard, but also how to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
As the narrative expresses so well, they will be greatly missed by family, friends, and community.
George Hubbard