Herbert "Bert" Gilmore

Negley, OH - Herbert O. "Bert" Gilmore, 95, formerly of Negley, died peacefully in his sleep at 2:35 a.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at the Blossom Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Salem.

Mr. Gilmore was born November 7, 1916 in Uhrichsville, OH, a son of Isaac K. and Maud R. Randall Gilmore and had lived in this area since 1980, coming from Akron. He received his B. S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from California State Polytechnic in 1955. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Germany and Central Europe.

He had been employed as a Development Engineer with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron for 22 years, retiring in 1979. During that time he received two patents for tire design. He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene of East Palestine.

Bert loved fishing but his greatest passion was his music, which he always incorporated into his life, including membership in the California State Collegians, the Shively Yates Band and as a bass player for the US Army Band.

His wife, the former Vivian R. Holt, whom he married December 4, 1960 died September 2, 1997.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him especially his five step daughters, Gladys (Dennis) McLaughlin of Sandy Hook, CT, Arlene Westfall of Morgantown, WV, Mary Peggy Cunningham of East Liverpool, Nancy Shaffer of Wellsville, and Linda Williams of Stow; a step son, Joseph (Diana) Garey of Akron; a sister in law, Betty Trout of Pittsburgh, PA; 20 grandchildren; 44 great grandchildren and 12 great great grandchildren, who truly loved and adored him; many nieces and nephews with special recognition to Tex Gilmore of Washington, NC and Roanne Vesco of Uhrichsville.

A step son, Phillip Garey, Jr.; a sister, Dorothy Roman and five brothers, Donald, Glenn, Kenneth, Dean and Robert Gilmore preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2012 at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine with Reverend Joanne Dota officiating. Burial will follow in East Carmel Cemetery, Rogers with military honors. Friends may call from 5-8 pm Friday and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Blossom Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for their wonderful care and compassion.

Material tributes in Bert's memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley.