Joseph W. Gilkey Sr.'s Obituary
Joseph W. Gilkey, Sr. (Joe), 93 years of age, passed away peacefully in Gainesville, FL on December 5, 2024. He was born on September 20, 1931, in Ardara, PA to the late Minerva (Stahl) and Joseph H. Gilkey. After graduating from Penn Township High School in Claridge, PA, he served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, taught at Penn Technical Institute, became a Mason (Infinity Lodge 546) in 1956, worked at Union Switch & Signal, and was an Assistant Seismologist at Pitt. Dr. Gilkey earned his BS in Physical Science at the University of Pittsburgh, his MS in Educational Administration from Hofstra University, and his Ed.D in Education from the University of Pittsburgh. During his 30-year career in the Smithtown Central School District L.I., NY, Dr. Gilkey taught Junior High General Science, was District Chairperson for Instructional Media Services, and served as Chair of The Suffolk County BOCES 3 School Library System.
Joe retired to Orlando, FL, became a member of the First Presbyterian Church, an ordained Deacon, and was the president of the Young At Heart ministry. He read newspapers for the blind and partially sighted over the TV station WMFE and volunteered at “Give Kids The World” where he set up their “Memories” program.
In 2006, Joe and Heather moved to Oak Hammock, a Continuous Care Retirement Community affiliated with the University of Florida in Gainesville. Joe was elected to the PCA (Partnership Council of Advisors) at Oak Hammock, and was ordained as an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church. He continued reading books for the blind over FM station WUFT.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Minerva and Joseph Gilkey, and his siblings, Patricia, Phillip (Butch) and Sharon. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Heather, his sister, Bette, his sons, Joseph Jr. (Susan) of Nesconset, NY, and James (Jamie) (Marilyn) of Albany, NY, Janice Graves, as well as grandsons, Joseph D. and Daniel, and great grandchildren, Providence, Trinity, Eli, and Tyler.
Joe was blessed to have been able to cruise to many parts of the world. He enjoyed photography, arranging cruises, writing, and presenting travel programs.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 24, 2025, in the Oak Room at Oak Hammock University of Florida, Gainesville, FL at 2:00 pm. A Reception will follow in the Upper Balcony Level Commons. We invite you to wear a “Caribbean” style shirt/blouse, in honor of his love for island cruises. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe’s memory to The University of Pittsburgh School of Education (4200 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260) or Give Kids The World (210 South Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL. 34746)
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