Gilbert Radford

Gilbert Radford, age 98 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully Saturday, August 13, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Newark, NJ, August 25, 1923, son of the late Gilbert W. and Beatrice Lidell Radford, he graduated Irvington High School in 1942, where he played football, ran track, and played trumpet in the school band.

Gilbert enlisted in the Army in 1949 and received a Service Medal for his participation during the US Occupation of Japan. During his service, he met his beautiful bride and wife of 68 years, Toshiko Hiramatsu.

After attending college, Gilbert worked as a draftsman for Fedders, Westinghouse, and Schindler Elevator, responsible for the technical designs of air conditioners, elevators, and escalators. When he wasn’t working, Gilbert was always there to help family and friends with household projects, babysitting, and whatever else was needed.

Gilbert deeply cared about family and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He loved taking vacations with his children or just hanging out with them on weekends. In addition to his family, Gilbert truly enjoyed spending time with his siblings and lifelong friends which often involved playing cards or having barbecues. His friends often described him as kind, generous, and funny.

In his spare time, Gilbert loved attending live sports events or watching them on TV. His favorite teams were the New York Yankees and New York Giants. His other passions included fishing, bowling, listening to music, dancing, watching tv, and reading the newspaper.

He is pre-deceased by his wife, Toshiko in 2019, and two sisters, Lillian Olsh and Anne Curry.

Surviving are four children, Gilbert T. Radford and his wife, Leslie of Alpharetta, GA, Linda Brightfield and her husband, Tom of Selbyville, DE, Cynde Radford and her significant other, Frank Guancione of Flemington, NJ, and Joyce Molter and her husband, Gerry of Flemington, NJ; seven grandchildren, Chelsea, Dylan, Breanna, Colin, Eric, Emily, and Melissa and five great-grandchildren, DJ, Cailyn, Skyler, Ella, and Lily.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 11:00 AM in the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will follow in Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery, North Hanover Township, NJ. Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 18, 2022, from 9:00-11:00 AM in the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Gilbert’s name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60601.