Bernard Gilbert

Bernard W. Gilbert, 93, of Coventry, died Sunday, April 8, 2012 at his home. Bud was born in 1920 in Farmington, Maine, the son of Franklin Gilbert and Bertha Merrill Dodge. He proudly served in the 3rd Army, 6th Armored Division, 50th Armored Infantry Battalion Heavy Weapons Platoon as a machine gunner and halftrack driver. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge, Belgium, France, Luxemburg and Germany. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, European, African and Middle Eastern campaign ribbons and the WWII Victory medal. Bud also served in the Military Police. Prior to his retirement he was employed for many years as a machinist at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. Bud was an avid gardener, dancer, musician and bowler. He is survived by his son, Franklin Deming and his wife Denise of Enfield, his daughters, Deborah Blanchard of Norwich and Patricia Cosma of Vernon. He also is survived by his special friend and companion Beverly Parrotte, ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, one great great granddaughter, a brother-in-law, Paul Anderson, a sister-in-law, Irene Porter, a son-in-law, Joe Peroni and many nieces and nephews. Bud was predeceased by his beloved wife Marilyn Gilbert, a son, Frederic Deming, a daughter, Sherrie Peroni, four brothers, Richard Sheldon, Joseph Gilbert, Winfred Smith and Reginald Smith and two sisters, Wilma Anderson and Bertha Hodgkins. His family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, April 13th 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195, Willimantic. His funeral service will be Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Coventry, 1171 Main St .Coventry. Burial with military honors will follow in the New Coventry Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to one's local hospice program. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.