Walter Gilman

Walter Lewis Gilman, 91, of Port Ewen NY, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on November 8th, 2024, after a period of declining health. Walter was born in Boston MA on December 18th, 1932, and was the son of the late Richard and Ethel (Watley) Gilman. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn (Schleich) Gilman, and their two children Elizabeth Gilman Duane and her husband David Duane of Natick MA, and Thomas Gilman and his wife Dori of Tupper Lake NY, and two grandchildren Kaitlyn and Christopher Gilman. He is also survived by several cousins.

Walter graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering in 1955 from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. After graduation he relocated to Kingston NY to begin his career at IBM, retiring in 1992 as a Senior Engineer. He was a member of the IBM Quarter Century Club and elected a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Walter attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI, then was stationed in Philadelphia. He served in the United States Navy active service from 1957 - 1960. He then continued to stay in the US Naval Reserves until retiring in 1992 as Commander. During his time in the Reserves, he served as a Blue and Gold Officer, providing guidance to numerous high school students in the Hudson Valley who were applying to the US Naval Academy.

Walter enjoyed summer vacations with his family in the Adirondacks and Cape Cod, and skiing in the Catskills and Vermont. In 1963 Walter met Evelyn through friends at Highmount Ski Center and they were married the following year. After retiring from IBM, he and Evelyn traveled extensively throughout the world and enjoyed a yearly winter sailing trip in the Caribbean.

Community service was an important part of Walter's life. He was a Life Member of the Port Ewen Fire Department having served for 43 years and was Treasurer of the Port Ewen Fire District for over 15 years. He was a committee member for Boy Scouts of America, Troop 9, a past member and chairman of the Town of Esopus Zoning Board of Appeals, and a Past-President of the Trailsweepers Ski Club.

The family is grateful for the care and compassion received from the entire Hudson Valley Hospice team, with special thanks to Sara Lawson and Denise Duffy. For those who wish, contributions in Walter's memory may be made to Hudson Valley Hospice (www.hvhospice.org) or Town of Esopus Volunteer Ambulance Squad (www.esopusems.com).

Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 216 Broadway, Port Ewen, NY 12466. A tribute for Walter can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for his family.