GARDINER - Richard "Dick" Gilbert, 78, of Gardiner, Maine passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough following a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Mary Ellen, and son, Wesley, in his final moments. Dick was a devoted husband, married to his wife, Mary Ellen for over 40 years and together they shared countless memories. He was a loving father and grandfather and took great pride in his family. An avid sports fan, Dick loved watching sports on TV, especially football. In his younger days he loved to go fishing. He enjoyed watching the birds at the feeders and seeing the occasional turkeys and deer in the backyard. His favorite places to visit were the Pemaquid area and Acadia National Park. Dick is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, son, Wesley, daughter-in- law, Monique and granddaughter, Elise. He is also survived by two daughters, Lara Johnson and husband Chip and Tanya Higgins and husband, Daniel. His other grandchildren include Tanya's daughters Jocelyn Novotney, Lexa Slaton and her wife Anna Slaton, and step- daughter Hailey Higgins. Lara's children include Tommy Reed and Ryan Johnson and stepsons Chris and Michael Johnson. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Ed Gilbert, and his sister, Judy Chaney. Dick is pre-deceased by his mother, Virginia Danforth and father, Ivan Gilbert and siblings Ivan Gilbert, Jr. and sisters Barbara Hoppe and Betty DeVaudreville. The family would like to thank all the amazing staff at the Gosnell House facility for their incredible loving care given to Dick during his stay there as well as the Hospice staff that aided in his end-of-life care for his last days. Dick's memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner. Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Staples Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Staples Funeral Home website, www.staplesfuneralhome.com Dick will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends