Richard Joseph ("Dick") Gilbertson, age 96, of Hobart, Indiana, passed away in his own home on May 9, 2021.

He is survived by his wife Ella Gilbertson (née Georgeff); his children Sylvia Gilbertson (Camillo Castelnuovo), Jody Gilbertson, and Rick Gilbertson; his sisters Frances DuPey, Helen Sutton, and Nikkalynn Foster; his grandchildren Isabel Castelnuovo-Hoffman (Lee), Minor Stokes, Danny Gilbertson, and David Gilbertson; and his great-grandchildren Lucas, Emma and Jacob. He was preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Margaret (née McQuade) and his sisters Pat Dyer and Betty Dietrich.

Richard was a proud veteran of World War II, serving as a signalman for the U.S. Navy during the invasion of Normandy and in the Pacific theater, where he survived a torpedo attack. He and Ella married on August 10, 1952, and shortly thereafter he became a general agent for Allstate Insurance, where he worked for many years. After retirement, he became a beloved substitute teacher at Hobart High School, where he was known as Mr. G. and sometimes entertained his classes with the poetry of Robert Service. He was a skier, sailor, card shark, Bears fan, and general adventurer who was not afraid to take risks. His family and friends salute a long life well lived.

Memorial services for the family will be held privately.