Richard Anthony "Rick" Gilbert

Richard ""Rick"" Anthony Gilbert died unexpectedly from complications related to a blood clot on May 24, 2015 in North Port, FL at the age of 34 years old. Rick is survived by his wife, Astrid K. (Chesney) Gilbert of North Port, FL; his mother Sandra Whitburn-Gilbert of St. Petersburg, FL; his father Richard Gilbert of Downers Grove, IL; his brother Brian Gilbert of Austin, TX; his grandparents Virginia S. Whitburn and Rich Arenibar; his grandmother Patricia Gilbert of Downers Grove, IL; many beloved aunts and uncles; Cousins Sarah Whitburn, Emily Whitburn, Jeffrey Whitburn, John and Christina Gilbert, Tammy and Anthony DeStefano, Trisha and Brad Pelhank, Jennifer and Luke Crawford, Nick Gilbert, Liz and Matt Herlihy, Max Gilbert, Luis and Alexis Gilbert, Mary Jo Gilbert, Josh and Jennifer Mattox, Eddie Mattox, Ryan Severin, Bridget and Reed Knowlton, Amy Gilbert; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Derek and Danielle Chesney, Erika and Jeremy Decker, Nicole and Jeff Gaspar, Brandy and Danny Merritt, Darci and Mike Sanger and many beloved nieces and nephews Joshua Chesney, Jacob Chesney, Elise Chesney, Colin Chesney, Miles Chesney, Wyatt Decker, Kaitlyn Decker, Colton Decker, Preston Gaspar, Kylie Gaspar, Trevor Gaspar, Rylan Gaspar, Asa Gaspar, Henry Merritt, Miranda Sanger. His God Children included Rylan Gaspar, Henry Merritt and Miranda Sanger. He is preceded in death by his cousin Sgt. Thomas ""Tommy"" Gilbert. Rick was born on January 25, 1981 in Chicago, IL to Sandy Whitburn-Gilbert and Richard Gilbert. He graduated from Downers Grove North High School in Downers Grove, IL in 1999. Rick moved from Downers Grove, IL to North Port, FL in October 2005. He graduated from SCTI Fire Academy in 2007. He was near completion of a degree from St. Petersburg College. On June 10, 2009, Rick married his high school sweetheart, Astrid, on Casey Key in Florida. They met in the high school cafeteria and were inseparable for the past 17 years. Rick was passionate about spending time with his family and traveling, including a honeymoon trip to Costa Rica. Children adored ""Uncle Ricky"". Rick also loved martial arts, snowboarding, weight lifting, video games, calligraphy and cars. He adored all dogs, but in particular, his puppies Kaizer and Shawna. Rick worked for the past 7 years for the Englewood Fire Department and was a loyal member of the IAFF 2546 Local Firefighters' Union. He received many Certificates and Commendations related to his selfless care of others while on duty. This included the Life Saver Award and numerous Unit Citations from his Fire Department. He held multiple state and national certificates as well. Rick enjoyed and excelled in Disc Golf. He was an active member of the Professional Disc Golf Association as an Ace Club Member and a Birdie Club Member. His national player ranking was 927. He won several disc golf tournaments. He was a member of Team Ching, a local disc golf team, and the Southwest Florida Disc Golf Association. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Englewood Event Center (3096 S McCall Rd, Englewood, FL 34224) on Saturday, May 30, 2015. Processional will meet at Farley Funeral Home (5900 S Biscayne Dr, North Port, FL 34287) and leave promptly at 9:00am for the Englewood Event Center. The procession will be arriving at the Englewood Event Center around 9:30am. Public visitation at the Englewood Event Center will start at 10:00am and end at 2:00pm. Funeral service will start promptly at 2:00pm. A full fire truck processional will follow the service and return to Farley Funeral Home. Flowers and Condolences may be sent to the Englewood Event Center. Visitation Information Date: Saturday, May 30, 2015 Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Englewood Event Center Address: 3069 S. McCall Road, , Englewood, Florida, 34224 941-270-3324 | Map Service Information Date: Saturday, May 30, 2015 Time: 2:00 pm Englewood Event Center Address: 3069 S. McCall Road, , Englewood, Florida, 34224 941-270-3324 | Map