Arthur Gilbert

Arthur Gilbert, 99, a lifelong resident of Rochester passed away after a period of failing health on Monday, January 9, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Known to many as Gil, Arthur was born July 4, 1923 in Rochester, NH to Arthur Gilbert Sr. and Blanche (Rowe). He graduated from Spaulding High School with the Class of 1943. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy 15 Seabees Battalion. Arthur was a veteran of WW11 stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, Arthur started his career as a carpenter with J. Paul Roy Construction Company. He soon began his own business as a builder and roofer in the Rochester area. He was the proud builder of his home and many others in Rochester. Many folks enjoyed his outstanding craftsmanship through the years. He loved working with his hands and physically building things, whether it was an addition to a home or a rabbit hutch for his children's pets. He raised and sold chickens for many years.He married the love of his life Justine Lacasse and they shared their lives for 60 years until her passing in 2014. Together they enjoyed rides to Alton Bay, York Beach and miles of local back roads. They would attend the Rochester Fair harness racing, where studying the program was an all day affair. Arthur and Justine created a long and happy life together. Arthur enjoyed professional sports and spent many happy hours watching and discussing the Red Sox and Patriots with everyone. To have known Arthur is to have laughed with him even as a close friend or a stranger. He was always ready with a joke and a smile for friends with whom he enjoyed socializing, playing cards and fishing. He was a voracious reader all of his life. He prided himself on being up to date with local, state and national news. He was immensely proud of his family and happiest when we would all get together to celebrate the holidays. 4th of July was special to him because he shared it with his country and his grandson Ryan. Arthur is predeceased by both of his parents Arthur Gilbert Sr. and Blanche (Rowe) Gilbert, by Justine Gilbert his wife, his sister Betty (Gilbert) Fifield and his brother Dee Gilbert. Arthur will be dearly missed by members of his family: daughter Maryann Tanguay and her husband Leo of Rochester, daughter Karen Ham and her husband Doug of Freedom NH, his brother Wayne Gilbert of Rochester, sister in laws, Sylvia Gilbert, Maryann Lacasse, Connie Rouleau and Beverly Tufts. Lovingly known as "pa", he will be forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren: Ryan Tanguay and his wife Crystal, Leeann Fazekas and her husband Chris and Jen Ham: 5 great grandchildren Morgan Tanguay, Ty Fazekas, Kaiden Tanguay, Ali Fazekas, Caleb Healey and many dear nieces and nephews. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. More information is available on their website. People are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Governor's Inn on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00. Please come and share your memories of Arthur with family and friends.Cremation is under the care of the R.M. Edgerly & Son