Edward J. Gilbert

Edward J. Gilbert, 84, a longtime resident of Framingham and formerly of Brighton, died Wednesday, February 12, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Worcester, MA he was the son of the late Alfred D. & Ida S. (Bourdeau) Gilbert, and the beloved husband for 62 years of Virginia L. “Ginny” (Benson) Gilbert.

Eddie attended Brighton High School before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1958 at the age of 17. After serving his country, Eddie worked as a Union Carpenter helping to build hotels in Boston. Eddie married Ginny, the love of his life, in 1963 and they bought a house in Brighton.

He was hired at the Ramada Inn, a hotel he helped build, as Chief Engineer in 1965. After the birth of their third child, they moved to Framingham in 1971, where they would have 2 more children. He was employed at the same location with Ramada Inn/Days Inn until he retired in 2017 at the age of 77.

Eddie had a work ethic like no other. He worked hard to be sure Ginny and their 5 children always had everything they wanted and needed. He was always the first one someone called when they needed help fixing something and he was always there to lend a hand. Besides spending time with his family and caring for Ginny, he enjoyed designing and building beautiful wood furniture, riding his motorcycle, boating, fitness, volunteering with his daughter and grandson at Timothy’s Toy Box, watching Boston sports and car races as well as meticulously maintaining his lawn. After his retirement, Eddie’s second home started to become Lifetime Fitness. He never wanted to miss a day or a class He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Besides his wife Ginny, Eddie is survived by his 5 children, his 4 sons Paul & his wife Karen of Charlton, Michael & his wife Veronica of Ashland, Jeffrey of Grafton, Greg & his wife Kristina of Marlborough and his daughter Sharon Gilbert of Framingham. His grandchildren, Derek, Brittany, Ryan, Morgan, Timothy, Alyson, Cole, Myles and his great grandchildren, Aaliyah, and Braxton. His sister Jean Briggs & her husband William of Haverhill and his brother John Gilbert & his wife Laurel of Riverview, FL. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, longtime friends, and amazing neighbors.

Family and friends will honor and remember Eddie’s life by gathering for visiting hours in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 11 Lincoln St. Framingham on Wednesday, February 19th from 4-8PM. His Funeral Service will be celebrated on Thursday morning in the McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home at 10 o’clock. Interment will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Framingham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local charity of your choice in Eddie’s name.

To share a memory with the Gilbert family, kindly visit www.mccarthyfh.com