David “Dave” Gilbert

David “Dave” Gilbert, a man of deep curiosity, quiet dedication, and lifelong adventure,  passed away peacefully at the age of 77 from vascular dementia. Born in 1948 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Dave grew up in South Chatham as the eldest of three children,  developing an early and enduring love for the coastal waters and natural beauty of the  Cape.
He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Natalie and Bill Gilbert, as well as his sister, Betsy, and his brother, Frank {affectionately known as “Widge”).
During his high school years in Chatham, Dave could almost always be found outdoors,  immersing himself in hunting, fishing, and shellfishing. He was a remarkably hard worker from a young age, spending his summers and spare time working as a mate on a Chatham charter boat and unloading local fishing vessels down at the piers.
Following his high school graduation, Dave pursued his interest in technology by attending an electronic technical school in Boston. In 1968, he answered the call to service and  joined the United States Navy. During his six years of dedicated service, the Navy provided him with two years of intensive schooling, qualifying him as an Electronics Technician. His military career was highlighted by a spectacular, year-long voyage around the world.
After honorably completing his service with the Navy, Dave relocated to San Diego,  California, where he spent 25 years working as a skilled troubleshooting technician for  various electronics firms. The West Coast opened up a vast new playground for Dave; he became an avid hiker and backpacker, exploring the rugged trails of the American West and the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska.
It was during his time in Southern California that Dave discovered a passion for rock  climbing. When he eventually returned to the East Coast, he generously shared this  passion with the next generation, volunteering for many years to teach rock climbing  techniques to high school students in New Bedford.
Dave was a true Renaissance man with an eclectic and vibrant mind. He was deeply  passionate about music-particularly Celtic folk and rock-and amassed an extensive, cherished collection of vinyl records and CDs over his lifetime.
An exceptionally voracious reader. Dave’s imagination was captured by the cosmos. He  read endlessly about science fiction and space exploration, a passion that translated into real-world action when he joined the volunteer effort for the Search for Extraterrestrial  Intelligence {SETI) in affiliation with NASA.
Dave eventually settled back into his career on Cape Cod, retiring in 2019 from Onset Computer Corporation, where he had spent 18 years utilizing his brilliant problem-solving skills as an electronics troubleshooter.
Dave received wonderful care at Harbor Point at Centerville and Beacon Hospice for the last 19 months.
He will be remembered by those who knew him as a brilliant technician, a patient mentor, an intrepid explorer, and a gentle soul who never lost his wonder for the natural world or the stars above.
At Dave’s request, there will be no services.