Robert P. Gilbride

Marine Veteran Robert Patrick Gilbride Sr "Gunner" of Shapleigh Maine passed away March 11, 2019 at the age of 84. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving children and his faithful dog Gus. Born January 13, 1935 in Lowell, MA to the late Patrick and Mary Gilbride he was the husband of the late Charlotte Roper with whom he raised four children. He was predeceased by his daughter Cindy Harvey and is survived by his son in law Michael Harvey of South Berwick Maine. Two daughters and a son survive him. Linda Reichheld and husband Jay Reichheld of Carlisle Massachusetts, Robert Gilbride Jr and wife Georgia of Northwood New Hampshire, and Nancy Shaheen of Nottingham New Hampshire. Ten grandchildren: Brandon, Ryan, Nicholas, Tyler, Katelyn, Joshua, Joslin, Jared, Sarah and Matthew. Four great grandchildren: Natalie, Henry, Oliver and Callahan. He had eight siblings. He was predeceased by brothers George and Johnny and baby sister Barbara. He is survived by Donny, Jim, Patricia, Patrick and Danny. Many nieces and nephews also survive him. Bob attended the Chelmsford Massachusetts school system and later completed his engineering degree at Lowell State College. He was a proud American and served our county as a US Marine, attaining the rank of Corporal. Enlisting in the US Marine corps in 1955 he attended boot camp on Parris Island, SC. He Graduated from Helicopter Mechanics School at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Memphis Tennessee and served a tour of duty in Vietnam; he was honorably discharged in 1963. Bob was employed for 30 years at Combustion Engineering in Newington, NH. He started as a machinist and retired as the plant manager. He was admired by all of his colleagues for his integrity, respect and appreciation for a job well done.Bob's hands were rarely idle. He was a talented handyman and craftsman. He built the family home in Exeter NH where he and Charlotte brought their family up. He did all the finish carpentry until it was perfect. He labored on the weekends with his son Bobby to dig a beautiful 12 -foot deep built in pool. He always had a project and would enlist one of the kids to "come shoot the breeze with him".Bob was a true outdoorsman. He was skilled at finding the many hidden rivers and fields of New England. He enjoyed years of hunting and fishing with his son Bobby in Errol, NH where they traveled for annual fishing trip.When Bob retired he renovated a farmhouse in Shapleigh Maine where he raised beautiful horses, dogs, cats and any other animal that happened to stray onto his property and into his heart; it was not uncommon to find him sleeping on a cot in the barn during a storm to provide comfort. He often left bowls of food and water for feral animals. In winter he would leave hay and grain for the deer, seed for the birds and squirrels. When the supply ran low the squirrels would knock on the glass door (true story!). He had an intense love and appreciation for nature and all of God's creatures.Above all Family was everything to him. He was so very proud of his children and grandchildren. He showed us unconditional love along with the important lessons in life. The value of hard work, discipline, honesty, having a positive outlook on life but mostly be kind to all. He saw the best in everyone even when it was difficult to find. He woke up singing most mornings and if it was raining he would simply sing Rain Drops Are Falling On My Head, over and over and over. He loved nicknames. Most people had one whether they liked it or not. Dad had a nickname for all of us and called them joyfully as we walked into a room. In times of crisis he was our pillar of strength comforting us with calming words of wisdom. He was our diving board at the ocean lifting us high in the air to make a giant splash. He made every holiday extra special. He would carefully wax our nicknames on Easter eggs and make a mess by gnawing on the Bunny's carrots. He was known for going overboard to put boot tracks on a snowy roof and had a keen eye for spotting Rudolph's nose high in the sky. He sang Elvis' Blue Christmas nightly during the Christmas season. He had us watch closely for the Pillsbury Doughboy as he smacked the tube of dough on the counter. "Now peel your eyes" he would exclaim and "quick, look, there he goes! There he goes!" as he was too fast for our wide eyes to follow. Halloween was extra scary as he crept around the house disguised in black and scratching on the windows. He has left his indelible mark on our hearts where we will carry him always. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the general welfare fund at the Veterans Administration of Maine. Checks should be made payable to VAVS1 VA Center (135)Augusta, Maine 04330Join us in a celebration of Bob's life on Saturday, March 23,Visitation at 10:00 and service at 11:00 Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home 580 Main Street Springvale, Maine 04083To leave a message of condolence click tab at left.