Richard Wayne "Peep" Gilson Sr., 64, of East Salem, passed away at 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born on Oct. 7, 1950, in Lewistown, Mifflin County, he was a son of the late Ralph M. Jr. and Vera (Saunders) Gilson. On April 25, 1969, he married his surviving wife, Sandra J. (Bassler) Gilson, with whom he was blessed to share more than 46 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by: his children, Crystal Kessler and her husband, Randy, of Newport, Danelle Kline and her companion, Nathan Hackenburg, of Selinsgrove, Richard W. Gilson Jr. and his wife, Julie, and Michael Gilson, all of East Salem; two brothers, Ralph M. Gilson III and his wife, Barbara, of Port Royal, and Ronald E. Gilson and his wife, Dona, of Shippensburg; his mother-in-law, Jane Bassler, of East Salem; eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Sarah, and Allee Kessler, Tony Ortiz, Connor Kline, and Bethany, Richie, and Jake Gilson.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen S. Kohler and her husband, Alan C. Kohler.
Mr. Gilson was a 1968 graduate of Tuscarora Valley High School, Port Royal, and a member of the River Church, Mifflintown, and the J.E. Bowen, Jr. Am Vets Post 122, Thompsontown. He also served as the secretary-treasurer of the East Salem Municipal Authority. He volunteered his time for several years as the Little League Baseball coach of Thompsontown and in 1984 his team won the league championship.
Earlier in life he was employed by the American Viscose Corp., Lewistown, then he worked for Gingrich Concrete, McAlisterville, and later he worked for Hempt Bros., Harrisburg, after which he owned and operated his true career and passion Gilson's Signs, East Salem.
"Peep" loved taking care of his parrots, Sonny and Cher, along with his dogs, Gracie and Alex. He also found enjoyment from camping, NASCAR, and riding his 4-wheelers; however his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Rich's legacy will be one of a counselor, helper, confidante and friend. "Until then try to put a smile on someone's face."
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at the Brown Funeral Homes Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville, with the Pastor Bob Landis officiating. Interment will private.
A visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorial donations in Mr. Gilson's memory may be made to the ALS Association, Western PA Chapter, 416 Lincoln Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15209 or to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online tributes and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com
Contributed by rkohler3 on 5/25/15 - Image Year: 1965
THE RAIDERS BAND, 1965: (l-r) Rich Gilson, Bill Shoop, John Longenecker, Ron Gilson, Dave Esh
Contributed by rkohler3 on 5/25/15 - Image Year: 1968
Row 1 (l to r): R Taylor, N Towsey, M Wagner, D Holderman, J Ansell, S Stitt, J Stimmel, L Smith, G Zook Row 2: G Brubaker, T Lyter, G Runk, E Love, J Slemons, M Moyer, H Noss, B Henry, K Fogleman, S Noss, D Rice Row 3: R Gilson, C Hower, P Kint, M L Lee, D Hughey, B Hockenberry, B Vawn, T Boone, H Kennedy, K Boone, J Kohler Row 4: D Gloss, G Wilson, M Hosler, C Rice, R Junk, M L Wharton, D Burdge, F Shoop, S Palm, J Summers, L Beaston
Contributed by rkohler3 on 5/25/15 - Image Year: 2008
40 year Reunion for the Class of 1968 (Held November 1, 2008 at Waterfront Restaurant, Lewistown): Seated (l-r) Elaine Love Civic, Lydia Smith Decker, Sandy Noss Kohler, Nancy Towsey Elder, Sandy Stitt Brown, Mary Louise Lee Bell; Standing (l-r) Jim Stimmel, John Kohler, Jim Ansell, John Summers, George Zook, Mary Wharton Ford, Barb Henry Gilson, Rich Gilson, Dick Junk, Mim Moyer Anstine, Barry Vawn, Larry Beaston.
