Stephen James Gilbert

Zikhrono Livrakha - May His Memory Be a Blessing

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Stephen James Gilbert, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. While Steve wore many hats: devoted son, younger brother, Marine, UCLA Bruin, native Angeleno, car aficionado, engineer, and businessman, “Papa” was the moniker that gave him the most joy.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Suzanne, three children [Gary (Gretchen) Gilbert, Jill (Christopher) Escher, Adam (Vanessa) Gilbert], eight Grandchildren [Jacob (Brit) Gilbert, Mark (Lauren) Gilbert, Evan Escher, Jonathan Escher, Simon Gilbert, Mimi Gilbert, Sophie Escher, and Dan Gilbert-Katz] and three great-grandchildren [Maren Gilbert, Ezra Gilbert, and Shiloh Gilbert].

Born to Rose and Hyman Goldberg in 1930 in Los Angeles, Steve graduated Hamilton High School in 1949 and after a stint in the Marine Corps, earned a degree from UCLA. He and Suzi married in 1959 and raised a family in his home town of Los Angeles.

While Steve ran a successful fire hose coupling manufacturing business for decades, he was happiest tinkering at home or under the hood of a car which was self-fulfilling considering his affinity for European roadsters. In retirement—in addition to traveling the globe with Suzi—Steve volunteered with his homeowners association and as a Los Angeles County Fire Department Technical Advisory Group member. And while he wouldn’t be caught riding a horse, he enjoyed playing cowboy with his family for twenty odd Father’s Day weekends at Alisal Ranch.

Homebound after a string of strokes and dementia, he followed the news diligently, delighted in visits from family and friends, and never said no to deli food.

While he will be missed, memories from a devoted family remain.