Robert C. Gilbride
Date of Passing:
Robert Charles Gilbride was born in Derby, CT on February 15th, 1951, one day after Valentine’s day. He grew up in Ansonia, Connecticut with his loving grandma, Nanny, his parents, and a younger sister, Charlene. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven, Connecticut and started an Electrical apprentice program in 1968 with the union of I.B.E.W.
His early ambitions ranged from poet to pilot, but he landed on the more practical profession of electrician to support his new family begun at the young age of 20 with the mother of his children, Susan Tabor. Though he composed poetry in subsequent years, his life was soon filled with the responsibility of four children and full-time work as an electrician.
Robert adored his children, including his first son Aaron (Aaron Scott), first daughter Jaime (“Kinzee Winzee of the Universe”) his second son Rob (“Robby the work-person”) and second daughter Melanie (“Melanie Sue, I love you”).
Following a divorce in the 1990s, Robert found a new home, remarried, and built his life in Providence, RI. Though he suffered a stroke that rendered electrical work impossible, Robert continued to circulate in the community and a common refrain was: He treated everyone he met like a friend. Years later, Robert met his best friend, Nicki Sahlin.
Robert was pre-deceased by his parents, Robert J. Gilbride and Aileen Checkley-Gilbride, his wife Maureen Cooper, and survived by his best friend, Nicki Sahlin and her son James Ackroyd, his four children Aaron Scott Gilbride (married to Margaret Guthrie Gilbride), Jaime Marie Gilbride (married to Stephen Greany), Robert Jonathan Gilbride (married to Eleni Vlachos), Melanie Sue Gilbride (Don Schmidt), his grandson Roger Daniel Rothe, his sister Charlene Gilbride, and many friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was a Friend of Bill’s.
A private memorial will be held for close family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made Hamilton House, https://historichamilton.com/ and/or the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Rhode Island (NAMI) https://namirhodeisland.org/
My link to Robert was Nicki. The sense I got around Robert was one of peace. Nicki, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I met “Bobby” in high school – our first date was my senior prom and we were a couple for the next 6 months. Those were crazy times and although we went our separate ways I often wondered how he landed. It’s comforting to know that he made a good life for himself and those around him. I’m sorry for your loss and happy to know that he was loved.
I’m so sorry for your loss, I was sad to hear of Roberts passing. I’ve been his hygienist for the past 10 years and looked forward to our visits. He spoke very highly of his children and Nikki. He always made me laugh as he loudly sang along to whatever song that was playing on the radio. He will be missed. ❤️
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Gilbride family. May you find peace in the memories of Robert as your heart begins the healing from such a loss. I’m so sorry.
My condolences to Robert’s family and to his beloved friend Nicki Sahlin whom is my link with Robert.
I have had many good memories from my marriage to Rob. He was a wonderful father and an honest man. He treated everyone as his equal — rich or poor, the downtrodden, and the average person. That was his greatest strength — he accepted people the way they were. He had quite the Life’s journey, and I know he is continuing on with a new beginning. Best of luck Rob!
My condolences to Roberts’ family. He was a genuinely good man. (I am going to miss him)
May God Grant you Peace during this very difficult time.
I am so sorry.
With deepest sympathy,
Lisa Nassi
Our condolences to Robert Gilbride family, all beloved friends. RIP Robert. Tell Uncle Bobby, my Dad and mom, Gram and Granpas. My son Dennis and all those in heaven hello. Cousin Gail
He assisted in creating beautiful children and altho we never met, I honor and thankyou. I am blessed to know your children and their mom. I pray for your Eternal Peace and Happiness as you continue on your Soul journey.
I thank the family for being like extended family to me. ‘Friends are the family we choose.
My heart is with you always but especially now???
My heart is sad and heavy as I morn the loss of my beloved older Brother. He was a friend to all that knew him. Brought joy and laughter into the lives of so many friends and family members. He will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor and kind and gentle soul. My sincere condolences to my Nieces and Nephews and all that knew and loved him. He will be sadly missed by all?
So very sorry for such a great loss..
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you and your family