In memory of Sammy

Samuel J. “Bubba” Gilson Jr., 56, of 1400 Woodside Ave., Ellwood City died the night of April 20, 2007, in Jameson Hospital. Born Jan. 9, 1951, in New Castle, he was a son of Samuel J. Gilson Sr. and Mary Genareo Gilson Allen. His father preceded him in death. His mother survives in New Castle. He married the former Michelle McDonald on June 21, 2003. She survives. Mr. Gilson was employed as a welder at Kasgro Rail Corp. in New Castle. Before that, he was supervisor at Remacor for 30 years. A Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, he served on the USS Intrepid. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and loved to ride his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He was also an outdoorsman who loved to camp, fish and golf. Mr. Gilson was a member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Cranberry. In addition to his wife and mother, survivors include five sons, Christopher Gilson of New Castle, Phillip Gilson and Sam Gilson, both of Cleveland, Jeremy Gilson of Paris, Tenn., and Logan McDonald, at home; a brother, Frank Gilson of New Castle; two stepbrothers, Ralph Lee Allen and Wayne Allen, both of New Castle; his mother-in-law, and father-in-law, Mark and Shirley McDonald of Wayne Township; and several grandchildren. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Ralph Allen and a brother, John R. Gilson. Visitation is 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Mill St. A service will be conducted at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the funeral home. Pastor Brett Probert of Cornerstone United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Parkside Cemetery. Military rites will be performed by the New Castle Area Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Sky Bank, Ellwood City office memorial fund. Online condolences may be received at www.decarbofuneralhome.com.