Elmer H Gilson

Elmer H. Gilson, 92, formerly of Tony Street, passed away peacefully October 13, 2014 at Rhodes Estates with his family by his side.Born in New Castle on June 15, 1922, Elmer was the son of Samuel and Nellie Burrows Gilson.He was married to the former Gloria B. Brown on December 29, 1945. She preceded him in death on August 9, 2006.Elmer was a graduate of Shenango High School.He retired from U.S. Steel Ellwood National Tube Works in 1975, where he worked as a cut off operator.Mr. Gilson was a WWII Army Veteran serving his country in Northern Africa and Naples Italy with the Cannon Co Polar Bears 85th Division. He earned a bronze star and was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of PFC. He also served in the Civil Conservation Corps.He and his wife Gloria enjoyed attending his Polar Bear Division reunions, and traveling. Elmer also enjoyed going for walks, reminiscing about his life experiences and watching all sports. He took great pride in his family and home.He attended the former Second Presbyterian Church.Survivors include six sons, Theodore (Linda); David (Barbara); Randall; Rodney (Birdie); George (Carole); and Elmer (Kathy) Gilson, three daughters, Susan (Timothy) Fruestorfor; Janice (Daniel) Calvert; and Gaye (Robert) Servedio, 26 grandchildren; and 24 great grandchildren.In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Samuel, Clyde, and George Gilson; 4 sisters, Auramae McCurdy, Florence Stewart, Martha Larzo, Marietta Brown; 2 grandsons, Samuel Gilson and Mark Servedio; a granddaughter, Lindsey Gilson; and a daughter-in-law, Sally Gilson.Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2014, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the R. Cunningham Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2429 Wilmington Road.A funeral service will take place on Friday, October 17, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev John Yergan officiating.Military rites will be performed by the New Castle Area Honor Guard.Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.