Robert Allen Gilbert 86, architect, golfer, avid reader, cook, bridge player

Robert (Bob) Gilbert, 86, of Hertford, NC, formerly of Madison, N.J., died on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at Three Rivers Health & Rehabilitation in hospice care.

He was born in Orange, NJ and grew up in Millburn, NJ.  He attended Princeton University earning his undergraduate degree in Architecture and went onto the University of Pennsylvania to earn his Masters Degree in Architecture.  He joined the Army National Guard for a short stint following graduation.

He embarked on a career in commercial architecture and met his wife Gail, an interior designer, in New York City.  Married in 1964, they raised two children in Madison.  He and Gail retired in 2002 and moved to Albemarle Plantation in Hertford, NC, where they designed and built their own home, a fitting end to both of their careers.

Outside of work, Mr. Gilbert was an avid golfer, a member of the Madison Golf Club, and then at The Sound Golf Links in Hertford.  He also had a passion for classical music, with an impressive vinyl discography.  He joined the Summit Chorale in NJ as a tenor and enjoyed being able to participate for many years in the music he loved so much.

Bob was a natural athlete, playing basketball and baseball in his youth, and then golf and tennis in adulthood.  You could always find Bob on the golf course smoking a stogie.  A stoic personality, he was not one to seek being the center of attention, but once you engaged with him, his intellect, wry wit, and self-deprecating humor shone through.  He was also an avid reader of books, the Jack Reacher series being a favorite.  All things sports were also a keen interest for him – rarely would you not find him watching ESPN.  The New York sports teams were who he rooted for, especially the NY Giants.  He enjoyed playing bridge with good friends on Albemarle Plantation, and was a foodie, learning to cook after Gail passed away, throwing dinner parties and more, a real renaissance man.

Bob was pre-deceased by his wife Gail in 2008.  He is survived by his daughter, Dawn Buchanan and her husband Rich, of Fanwood, NJ; his son Jay, of Providence, RI; grandchildren Bryan and Wes Buchanan and his partner of the last 12 years, Hiltrud Aubert of Hertford, NC.

The family will share any memorial plans in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mr. Gilbert to the First Tee Coastal Carolinas organization, part of a nationwide organization to make golf affordable and accessible for all kids.  https://firstteecoastalcarolinas.org/ or to WHRO Classical Radio station https://members.whro.org/?technique=Online%20Red%20Pledge%20Buttons

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net .

Walker Funeral Home of Windsor is serving the Gilbert family.