Allen Francis Gilbert

Allen “Al” Francis Gilbert, 71 years old, of New Port Richey, FL, passed away on May 1st at home, after a long battle with neurological illness.

 

He was born in Parkersburg, WV in 1951 to the late Charlie and Lula Gilbert, and grew up in Elizabeth, WV. After Lula’s sudden passing, Al was raised by the late Charlie and Naomi Gilbert.

 

Al was in the Air Force and served in Vietnam. He went on to become a truck driver and master mechanic. Al was an amazing father and a loving husband, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, and watching car racing.

 

Throughout his life Al held many titles, son, Airman, friend, husband, and dad, and he had the baseball cap to match every title. He was always his authentic self, willing to tell you what was really on his mind and offering up advice and anecdotes in a way only someone from “West by God Virginia” could. He touched many people throughout his life and will be missed more than words can express.

 

Al is survived by his wife Doreen (Coraci) Gilbert of 38 years, daughter Christina (Gilbert) Cloutier, and son-in-law Sam Cloutier. He is also survived by in laws who loved him dearly, mother-in-law Marge Coraci, sisters Linda Penission & Paula Welch, brothers Gary Penission & Curtis Welch, nieces Margie Welch, Melanie Whitman, & Rachelle Hetzer, and nephew Gary Don Penission.