Louis Edward Gilbert

Louis Edward Gilbert, 89, passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2025 surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. Lou was born on March 23, 1935 to Louis and Rosalie (LaBranie) Gilbert in Bennington, Vermont. He would go on to receive his education and reside at the Kurn Hattin Homes for Children in Westminster, Vermont. In 1952, at the age of 17 he joined the United States Army. Lou served for three years during the Korean War Conflict protecting the Panama Canal. In 1959, Lou married the love of his life, Dorothy M. Viele. They were together for 65 years, and built a life of happiness, love, and laughter. They would raise seven children. All that knew Lou, knew that he was an avid truck driver. Throughout the years of being a truck driver, he became very well-respected in the trucking community. Other truck drivers that knew Lou, would pass by his house blowing their horns in acknowledgment. In his later years, he drove dump trucks for John Cerreta Excavating. In 1996, Lou began his retirement. He and Dottie spent the next 24 years wintering in Ft. Pierce, Florida. Both he and Dottie loved this time of their lives together. Lou enjoyed camping and fishing with his family – and was especially fond of fishing in the Hudson River. Above all, Lou was a family man; he was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind. Lou is survived by his wife, Dottie Gilbert; his brother, David Wright, Woodford, Vermont; Marjorie Corey, Florida; seven children: Crystal Dear, Bastrop, Texas, William Onorato, Bennington, Vermont, Toni Gail Lake, Woodford, Vermont, Pasquale Onorato, Williamstown, Massachusetts, Anthony Onorato, Arlington, Vermont, Robert Onorato, Putney, Vermont, Edward Gilbert, Halifax, Vermont; 20 grandchildren; and several great and great great-grandchildren. Lou was predeceased by two sons, Louis Gilbert and Thomas Rich; siblings James and Fred Wright, Evelyn Smith, Jackie Vince, Fredrica Stone, and Freida Tole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church in Bennington, Vermont. Friends and relatives are invited to a time of visitation prior to the mass, from 10:00 – 12:00 PM at Mahar Funeral Home located at 628 Main Street, Bennington, Vermont 05201. A burial with military honors will be held in the Spring at Woodford Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kurn Hattin Homes for Children (708 Kurn Hattin Rd, Westminster, Vermont 05158).