David Henry Gilbert lost his battle with Alzheimer’s on March 31, 2021 at the age of 83. Raised in Corcoran, California, David left high school and enlisted in the Army at the age of 17. He served for 3 years in Korea and Japan. While there, he married his high school sweetheart, Rosemary. A few years into civilian life, David and Rosemary realized their situation would not provide the future they wanted for their children. After the birth of their 3rd child, David completed his GED and enrolled in college. He graduated with a degree in civil engineering from Fresno State. The sacrifice for education and strong work ethic enabled a better life for his family and made him a great role model to his children. He would later become the proud father of 3 LSU graduates. As a civil engineer with Bechtel, David traveled the U.S. and the world and also lived in Egypt a few years. In 1987, David set aside his engineering career and moved to Baton Rouge, LA where he and Rosemary opened and operated Merchant’s Landing Flea Market for 14 years. He was known as ‘the train man’, selling and servicing antique Lionel trains at Merchant’s Landing and into retirement. He enjoyed working on projects, whether it was remodeling, gardening, or helping the kids with their projects. Mostly, he enjoyed spending time with his family and pets. He was a devoted father, husband, brother and son, and will be missed by all who knew him.He is survived by son David W. Gilbert (Laura Gignac) of Tampa, FL; son Dennis Gilbert (Vivie Broussard) of Baton Rouge; daughter, Melissa Stockwell (Buddy) of Nashville, TN; and 6 grandchildren, Harold Gignac, Kyle and Maryn Gilbert, and Lindsey, Ryan,and Jolie Gilbert. David is also survived by his brother, George Gilbert, and sister, Genevieve Bonjiorno. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Rosemary Gilbert; father Joseph L. Gilbert; mother Mamie S. Pujol; sister, Carolyn Holmes; and infant daughter, Jeanette.The family plans to take him back home to Corcoran, California where a memorial will be held.
Robert (Bobby) “Big Rob” Atilano Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, October 5 at 1 p.m. at Salser and Dillard Funeral Home in Visalia for Robert (Bobby) “Big Rob” Atilano, 52, who died September 13, 2023 in Visalia. Bobby worked for The Corcoran Journal for nearly 25 years as the Display...
