Richard Joseph "Dick" Gilbertson

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.