Ray C. Gilbert, 88, of West Catasauqua, Whitehall Township, died peacefully Nov. 18, 2014, at home surrounded by his loving and dedicated family. He was the husband of Jean L. (Oswald) Gilbert for 63 years.

Born in Allentown, he was a son of the late Ray G. and Eva F.A. (Roth) Gilbert.

He was a devoted member of St. John's UCC, Fullerton.

A 1943 graduate of Emmaus High School, he was acting president of their class and very active with the reunion committee. A proud graduate of Moravian College in 1950, he honorably served with the U.S. Navy during World War II in the South Pacific, and continued his devoted patriotism throughout his life.

He retired from the Engineering Dept. of the former Fuller Company/GATX in Catasauqua after many years of dedicated service.

He was a member of the former Whitehall Exchange Club.

He was an avid sports fan, he proudly attended many games and matches of his granddaughters, and was a regular at Whitehall basketball games for decades. He will forever be remembered for his quick wit, jokes and funny stories.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Cheryl A. and her husband Dennis Sommer, along with his family, of Whitehall, and Kathy J. and her husband Jim Haggerty, along with his treasured granddaughters, Kylee and Delaney, of Lehigh Township; son, Jay at home; brother, Robert A. and his wife Dorothea of Macungie; sister, Betty J. and her husband William Hagenbuch of Pennsburg; nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Richard in 2010.

Contributions may be made to St. John's UCC Fullerton, 575 Grape St., Whitehall, 18052 or Good Shepherd, 850 South 5th St., Allentown, 18103.

The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall is honored to handle Dad's arrangements.