Casper S. Gilbert Obituary (1925 - 2020)

Casper S. Gilbert, 95, of North Caldwell, N.J., passed away on Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. A private Mass will be held at the Notre Dame Church, North Caldwell, N.J. Arrangements are by Paul Ippolito-Dancy Memorial in Caldwell. Mr. Gilbert was born in Belleville, NJ to Marie and Casper (Charles) Gilbert and was a resident of North Caldwell most of his life. He studied at William and Mary after serving in the Navy during World War II. He went on to establish a his own business in the groundbreaking industry of plastics with GPM Sales, Inc. Cass, as he was known to his many friends, was a was a fun-loving, live life to the fullest person. He had a love for music and at the early age of seven, began playing piano. During WWII, as a member of the US Navy, he played trombone and piano in the Navy band throughout the Pacific, including engagements at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Music has always been an important part of Cass' life. In his later years, Cass enjoyed playing piano and entertaining the patrons of the Manor Restaurant in West Orange, and in his 80's and 90's he performed concerts for the "old folks" in area nursing homes. In his late 80's, he took up the study of tai chi and practiced up until his death. For many years, Cass was an active member at the Forest Hills Field Club where he enjoyed playing golf and socializing with his many friends. He embraced life to the fullest and his other hobbies included, gardening and growing his prized tomatoes; wine making, and live streaming his piano playing on social media platforms. He also loved food and looked forward to the many family gatherings, especially the Christmas Eve Wilia feast where he will be dearly missed. He was the beloved husband of the late Florence Gilbert; loving father of Cynthia Desch and her husband, Charles, David Gilbert, Susan Jalbert and her husband, Bob, and Scott Gilbert and his girlfriend, Lori Gubala; dear brother of John C. Gilbert and his wife, Frances, and cherished grandfather of Chad Desch, Timothy John Desch and great-grandfather of Charlie, Johann and Leona Ruth. He is also survived by several loving nieces, nephews and cousins, including Agnes Negra and her children, Patti Lerner and Ron Negra.