Obituary of Franklyn E. Gilbert

Franklyn E. Gilbert, 93, passed away at Lourdes Hospital with family and friends at his side on December 6, 2022. Frank was born at the Nita Haynes Hospital in Sidney on December 31, 1928. His parents were Abijah D. and Alta Belle (Cower) of Rockdale. Frank was the youngest of six children and raised on a farm near Rockdale. Frank graduated from Mt. Upton School in 1948. Frank was a member of the BPOE 2175, Bainbridge-Afton Lodge, Algonquin Antique Car Club, AIM. Frank and Betty were married June 26, 1953 at the Methodist Church in Oneonta. They were married for 69 years. Frank was employed at Amphenol for 43 years. After a couple of months, Frank and Betty purchased a federal house that needed a lot of work, which they renovated. They sold it to the first people who looked at it. They then purchased land on Sheep Pen Road and Bob Wessel began to build their home there. Frank liked gardening, growing trees, shrubs, and flowers. Many of the Rhododendrons along Sheep Pen Road were grown by layering. Frank has enjoyed a wonderful family of dogs and cats-Stubby, Billy, Harry, Keri, Molly and Babe, Sassy and Tucker. They were always at his side. For over 40 years, Frank and Betty traveled to Cape May for vacation. They enjoyed the beach and the Victorian houses. But their favorite trip was sponsored by the Bendix Management Club to Europe in 1961, covering Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland, and England. KLM Airlines came right to Broome County Airport to pick them up. Of the 70 people on that trip, only two people are left. They enjoyed the trip so much, they went again in 1965 and included Italy as well. Frank has always enjoyed his cars. In 1971, Frank purchased a Steel Cities Gray Corvette. We had it for years and everyone wanted it, but we ignored it. Then, one day Gary Enck sold his corvette to a collector near Farmington, MA and suggested Frank might want to do that. The neat thing is, Frank did sell his car, and the collector showed the car at Hershey and it scored 98%, the NCRS Dumtov Mark of Excellence Award, and the judges said to should be left in its original state. Not only that, but Frank received copies of the original documentation for the award and a thank you note for keeping the car in such good shape. In addition to his wife Betty, Frank is survived by seventeen nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Florence, and brothers, Donald, Harold, Seward and Frederick. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Share condolences and memories with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.