Joseph Gilman

Joseph Gilman, life and legacy. Everyone who knew Joe would say how funny he was. He was very intelligent always calling things the way he saw them, which was always correct. He would come right out and say things that most people thought, but were too afraid to say. He never cared what anyone thought of him. Joe was brilliant and never lost his mental ability. He loved animals and had a big heart.  He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on October 3, 1930. During the depression, life was very hard and he went to work at an early age. The family moved around several times. His mother passed away when he was 15 after a long illness with cancer. He and his two sisters, Brenda and Barbara, had a very difficult time. His father remarried, had another daughter Julie and signed Joe up with the Navy at 17. In 1948 he was assigned to the USS Manchester, on which he served during the Korean war. In 1949 he met and married his wife Connie. He was honorably discharged in 1951. He continued to work in the reserves supply core till retirement as Captain in 1999.His first daughter, Lysia, was born in 1952, then in 1954 a son Dana, and another daughter Shaleen in 1959. During this time he worked very hard, often with two jobs. He purchased his first home in Philadelphia. Working during the day he went to night school at La Salle college then temple university. He graduated 1960 in industrial management and his carrier took of after that. His big break came when he started working for himself, buying distressed properties and apartment buildings rehabbing and renting them. He had well over a hundred units before he sold them and moved to Maryland. He continued working in security for the federal government till he was 87. His wife passed away at 85. Joe lost his son Dan in 2019. He proceeded to sell his home and moved in with a dear friend Arlene. In 2019 he made his final move to Florida. He loved Judge Judy, war movies and Blue bloods. I believe he most enjoyed being left do to as he pleased. He would comment every day how the air smelled so good and the breeze was great. He would sit outside every morning with his newspaper, coffee and breakfast. I have only written bullet points on a life of 91 years. So many stories will be remembered. Joe is survived by his sisters Brenda and Julie. His daughters Lysia and Shaleen. Four grandchildren, Shey, Shannon, Lyssa, and Madison. Son in laws Dave and Jurgen. Five great grandchildren Heath, Siena, Brooks, Parker, and Kade. A very full life, well done. You are loved and missed.