Raymond F Gilbert

.Raymond Frank Gilbert Sr., 88, of Middletown, passed away on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Middlesex Hospital. He was born in Middletown to the late Raymond and Pearl (Hobart) Gilbert. Ray married his work sweetheart, Carmella (Lena) Nella Labella, at Saint Sebastian Roman Catholic Church on October 11, 1958.After attending Vinal Tech in Middletown, Ray began his career at ACMAT Corp. as a carpenter, where he worked for over 30 years and became a member of the local carpenters' union. He later joined CONN Acoustics as a project manager before retiring in 1994.An avid fisherman and gardener, Ray spent summers fishing and clamming Long Island Sound and growing the best peppers and tomatoes from seed. He spent the winter months with his beloved wife Lena on the Gulf beaches of Englewood, Florida.Ray was predeceased by his son, Jeffrey, in 2003. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lena; his sons, Raymond Jr. (Diana) and David (Donna); and his seven grandchildren: Lauren Gilbert, Morgan (Brian) Meisenheimer, Aleaha (Jared) Kopec, Beth Gilbert, Hailey (Nick) DeMusis, Stone (Nichole) Gilbert, and Ciara Gilbert.He also leaves behind his eight great-grandchildren: Joshua Gilbert, Rachael Gilbert, Colson Gilbert, Mila and Mason Chin, Avery and Audrey Kopec, and Marley DeMusis. He is also survived by his brother, Richard (Lois) Gilbert; sister-in-law, Lucy (Joe) Formica; and several nieces and nephews.Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 21, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 S. Main St., Middletown, CT, followed by a funeral service and burial at Saint Sebastian's Cemetery.