Douglas A. Gilbert

Douglas A. Gilbert, 73, of Penn Yan, NY, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026.

He was born in Penn Yan, NY on October 10, 1952, the son of Howard and Dorothy (Enos) Gilbert. Doug graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1971. He was an auto body technician and painter, owning Doug’s Collision in Penn Yan for many years.

Doug was a past member of Lakeside Country Club and the Penn Yan Flying Club where he completed flight instruction and earned his pilot’s license. He found great enjoyment in woodworking, carpentry and working on cars. He loved music and playing the guitar.

Doug was a true craftsman who took great pride in creating and restoring things with his own hands. One of the most notable projects of his career was the restoration of a 1949 GMC Model 100 Long Bed. Over the course of three years, he devoted countless hours, with the help of several others, perfecting every detail and restoring the truck back to complete authenticity. His dedication and craftsmanship were rewarded when upon completion, the truck was transported to Washington D.C. and put on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History- a lasting testament to the skill, patience and pride that he brought to his work.

He was predeceased by his parents; and brother, Donald Gilbert.

Douglas is survived by daughter, Chelsea (Andrew) Isereau of Penn Yan, NY, and daughters, Miranda (fiancée Nicholas Merrill) Gilbert of Aldie, VA, Nicole Gilbert of Watertown, NY and their mother, Catherine Gilbert of Watertown, NY; four grandchildren, Brianna Corcoran and Declan, Ailee and Bria Bisnett; and nieces, Kori and Shannon.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 1:00 pm at Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, NY. Burial will be in Bellona Cemetery.