Obituaries

Ross W. Gilbert, 76

May 21, 2014

Ross W. Gilbert, 76, passed away at his home on May 21, 2014 after a 9 month battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Lester Gilbert and Ethel (Walter) Mull.

Ross was one of Lancaster’s original hot rodders and one of the founding members of the Vagabond’s Car Club, one of the oldest car clubs in the U.S.

Because of his love or cars, Ross decided to make this his life long career and formed Gilbert’s Speed Parts which later became Gilbert’s, which has been in business for over 52 years. Ross has won many awards both local and national in both hot rodding and drag racing. He was honored in 2012 by being inducted into the East Coast Drag Racing Hall of Fame.

Ross had a passion for life. Besides his love of cars, he also loved to hunt, go boating, and deep sea fishing, where he placed several times in the O.C. White Marlin Open. He also loved big dogs. His latest one is named Titus, an English Mastiff.

Ross liked working out at the gym, many years at the Y.M.C.A. and then Formula Fitness.
He served in the Armed Forces shortly after high school. He was a member of the Riverside Club, A.N. Vets, and Rainmakers.

He is survived by his wife of over 51 years, Jerry Ann Gilbert (who shared his love of cars), son Ross L. Gilbert and late daughter-in-law Rebecca Catterall, daughter Jessica Kilby (Nate Micken), granddaughters Nikki and Kerry Kilby, and great granddaughters Laura Marschka and Laila Colon, sister Diane Marathon (Nick) of Olney, MD and sister Donna Durkaj.

All are welcome to attend a Remembrance and Service at 6PM on Wednesday, May 28 2014 at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike. A Visitation will be held from 4-6PM prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 314 Good Dr, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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Condolences to the Family

February 23, 2022

class mates east lampeter school, then cars 55 chevrolet conv. (SOUR GRAPES) a great talent for sure, I was into pin stryping back then. we both used our talents we were blessed with. remember ross as a giving person in all ways a great person you could depend on for help of any kind. I left PA. in 1967 and moved to phx az. lost track of alot of folks after that. at the age of 83 it is hard to keep up with all thats going on.may the family know ROSS is missed alot and will be rememberd by those who cared. from one who will always remember, Charlie Grebinger.. GOD BLESS you all

May 31, 2014

Jerry & Family , I’am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ross . He was a great person & will be missed by many !
Now he is resting in the house of the Lord . Sending my prayers & thoughts . Brenda Chiarell Nielsen

May 28, 2014

Our deepest sympathy to the Gilbert Family. For my husband Benny Hutton has known Ross for many many many yrs. He will be greatly missed by many however his memory and all his wisdom he taught to many will live on forever. I myself will miss chatting with him on the phone trying to come up with many ways to heal our illness’s. RIP Ross for pain free now and we will always remember you, your shop and many other good times Benny had with you at the shore. God Bless you all. Benny & Vicki Hutton @ Cabbage Hill Garage & Towing

May 28, 2014

A final gift to a friend. We are all born into this world with a gift. Some fumble through life never realizing that gift. Others, grasp it a young age not knowing what the future brings. Then one day, you wake up decades later, called upon to use that gift to heal, to soothe ,and to mend broken hearts. Looking back, who would have known at the tender age of five, snuggled up with that teddy bear with the am radio that lulled me to sleep, that those songs from the belly of that bear would be so important later in life. Every song I choose today, will affect someone in that room. Be it a found memory, a gentle smile, or a subtle tear. Like a good doctor, I know what to prescribe. The effects, and side effects. Through my tears, I will promote memories, laughter, tears, and gentle thoughts back to a time when things weren’t so complicated and life seemed so new. Most just think he is the music guy, isn’t that nice. No one will ever really know the thought, love and compassion necessary to sculpt a final tribute to a life so bold. To know the songs word for word that will transcend a group to another place, if only for a moment. A first kiss, a walk in the summer sun, or cruising down the highway in a car built with loving hands. Every bolt, screw, and part. Meticulously selected to create euphoria . Today, I will give of myself that final gift to a friend. Rest in peace Ross.
Robert Mullen

May 28, 2014

To the family of Ross Gilbert,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jeff Davis and Donna Speece

May 27, 2014

Jerry and Ross, I am so sorry for you loss. I remember the beechcomber and the fishing tourniments. They were great times! My thoughts and prayers are with you both is your time of sorrow.

Leian Morris Wiker

May 26, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss, Ross was a great man… We had a lot of great memories of our visits to PA. Dawn Alenckis Desaulniers.

May 26, 2014

To the family of Ross W. Gilbert our deepest and sincerest sympathy on behalf of your sister and our dear sister in Christ, Donna Durkaj.
Respectfully, Sharon Kay and the Women’s Ministry of New Life Christian Fellowship.

May 26, 2014

Sorry to hear about Ross, he was a wonderful person. Thoughts and prayers, the Desaulniers Family – Marilyn, Bud, Pam, Karen & Dawn

May 26, 2014

Jerry and Ross, my deepest condolences To you and your family.
Mike Frazier.

May 25, 2014

Jerry & Family, Sorry for your loss, We’ll miss him at the car shows. Bob & Anne Herr

May 25, 2014

Deeply sorry for your loss. Knew Ross from the Riverside club and Florida. I will miss his sunny disposition. Bob Sturgis, formerly of Lititz and now Zephyrhills, Florida

May 25, 2014

Very sorry for your loss…Daniel Desaulniers Jr

May 25, 2014

JERRY, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT ROSS,PRAYING FOR YOU And the family.
doug gobble

May 24, 2014

friendships are forever, i will never forget my friend. bob elkins

May 24, 2014

lancaster ,lost a great man..miss u at breakfast…joyce bender.larry phelan.bill n betty zahm. steve nickerson. red hiltz….rip

Visitation: Wednesday, May 28, 2014; 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >
Services: Wednesday, May 28, 2014; 6:00 PM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >