Final Salute

Robert W. Gilbert, 70, of Muhlenberg Township, passed away July 4, 2024 at Penn State Health-St. Joseph Medical Center.

Born in Reading, he was a son of the late John S. and H. Frances (Wanner) Gilbert.

Bob was a U.S. Navy Seabee veteran serving from 1974-1978.

He was employed as a backhoe operator for the Reading Area Water Authority for 30 years, retiring in 2024. He also worked as an aide on school buses for BICU.

Bob served as Past Master of Williamson Lodge No. 307 F&AM, Womelsdorf in 1998, the year their new lodge building was built. He was a member of Rajah Shrine and their Legion of Honor. Bob served as Prop Superintendent and Past High Priest Francis Marion Highley Chapter of Knights of Rose Croix and received the Meritorious Service Award (MSA) at AASR. He also served as Past High Priest Reading Royal Arch Chapter No. 152 in 2004, Past Thrice Illustrious Master Creigh Council No. 16 in 2009 and Past Commander Reading Commandery No. 9 in 2009 in the York Rite Bodies. Bob also served for 15 years on the board of the Womelsdorf-Robesonia Joint Authority.

He is survived by his son – Thomas R. husband of Caitlyn Gilbert, Shrewsbury, PA, his daughter – Sara D. wife of Adam Feiner, Phoenixville, PA , his six grandchildren – Desmond, Miles, Chase, Ava, Decker and Blakely and his brother – John M. husband of Mary A. Gilbert.

Visitation from Klee Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., One East Lancaster Ave., Shillington on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 AM. Masonic services conducted by Williamson Lodge No. 307 F&AM at 11:00 AM. Interment with military honors rendered by the U.S. Navy will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Reiffton. www.kleefuneralhome.com

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