John Leslie Gilbert

John Leslie Gilbert, 83, of Monroe, NY passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Barn Hill Care Center in Newton, NJ.

John was born on January 16, 1943, in Manhattan, to the late Leslie and Catherine (nee. Harris) Gilbert. He later lived in the Bronx and then Monroe, carrying forward a steady sense of home through each chapter of life.

John was a proud veteran who served in The United States Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964, a period that reflected his sense of duty and commitment. Following his military service, he worked as a limousine driver, a role he approached with professionalism and reliability over the course of his career.

A man of quiet interests and enduring curiosity, John found lasting enjoyment in reading and built an extensive personal library. He was also a devoted movie collector, taking pleasure in the stories and history preserved on his shelves. In his younger years, he loved traveling, and he held a special affection for visits to Lake George—places and journeys that remained part of what he valued most.

John is survived by his siblings, Thomas Gilbert and his wife, Laura and Dorothy Gilbert-Redlus and her husband, Bobby; his girlfriend, Susan; his niece and nephew, Kathy and Tommy (Agnes) and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Joey, Angela, Zoey and Skyla. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Robert Gilbert.

A graveside service will be held at 12 pm on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 5 Bradhurst Ave, Hawthorne, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made out to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250. Condolences may be offered to the family below.