Thomas Gilbert Sr.

October 21, 1943 - June 11, 2018

Thomas Alfonso Gilbert, Sr., “Fonnie” of Chester, Pennsylvania, departed this life on June 11, 2018, at Taylor Hospital in Springfield, Pennsylvania. He was born on October 21, 1943, in Chester, Pennsylvania, to Melvin and Beatrice Gilbert. Fonnie recommitted his life to Jesus the Christ as his Lord and Saviour in February 2018. Fonnie was educated in the Chester Upland School District. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1961, and discharged after his military service was complete. He started his working career at Boeing in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, as a mechanic and retired after 30 years of employment. Fonnie enjoyed working with his hands: working on cars, rebuilding VW engines, and tinkering with computers. He enjoyed playing chess and card games with his friends. He also enjoyed listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Fonnie is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Beatrice Gilbert; one brother, George Bailey; and three sisters, Maureen Brown, Sabra Gilbert, and Barbara Deedon. Fonnie is survived by his wife, Winifred Gilbert; former wife, Rose P. Gilbert; four children, Thomas “Lonnie” Gilbert, Brian “Bear” Gilbert, and Geary Wilson; daughter, Tomera Gilbert; three siblings, Cynthia Burgess, Othea Masonet, and Iozzi Paden. Fonnie also leaves eleven grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends