Jonathan B. Gilman

Jonathan B. Gilman, 70, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on April 11th after losing his battle with cancer.

Born to William P. Gilman and Eugenia (Berry) Gilman on 9/23/1947 in Portland Maine.

Lived at 71 West Street Portland before the family moved to Grand Beach, Old Orchard Beach in 1960.  He graduated from Old Orchard High School. 

Jon was a lobsterman for 45 years who also went ground fishing and shrimping in his boat "Irish Lady's" out of Pine Point, Scarborough.  He was a perfectionist about everything he did.  He was a mechanic who rebuilt engines (hi-performance and marine), a metal fabricator who built a modified stock car from scratch and successfully competed at Beech Ridge Speedway in the late 60's and early 70's.  He rigged multiple fishing boats for shrimping, scalloping, ground fishing, and sea clamming.  He enjoyed spending time welding, a trade he shared with his granddaughter Shannon.  Most recently, Jon restored a 1956 Chevy which was near and dear to his heart. Jon was also exceptional at giving advice and was a beacon of personal wisdom.

Jon was deeply in love with his wife Beth.  They spent 52 beautiful years together of which 35 years were on his beloved property on Ross Road.  A home that he built with his own two hands, he created an oasis for his family where they shared years of great memories.  

31 years of his lobstering career were spent with his first mate and son in law Rick Googins.  The two of them shared a special bond and Jon loved Rick like a son. Rick will continue on to captain the "Irish Lady's" with his son Jonathan Googins. Three generations, Jon's legacy will live on.

Jon had two daughters Sylena and Victoria (Tori) of which he loved endlessly.  He made sure each of his girls felt special and provided them both with a custom fit relationship.  To say they were Daddy's girls would be an understatement.  They were two of his greatest loves.  

Jon was a grandfather to five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Jon had a unique bond with each grandchild.  He knew exactly how to make them feel special regardless of any situation.  Each grandchild has been touched by his big heart and amazing personality and will always cherish the impact he had on their lives.  

Jon loved his sister Libby so very much.  He always said, "Lib was my first girl"  he waited for her arrival before he passed.  Knowing he was surrounded by all his girls he was able to move on.

Jon is predeceased by his parents

Survivors include his wife of 52 years Beth Gilman of Old Orchard Beach, daughters Sylena (Gilman) Bartlett and husband Peter Bartlett of Buxton, Victoria (Tori) Gilman and her partner Chris Orff of Scarborough, grandchildren Jonathan Googins of Buxton, Shannon Googins and her partner Demetrios Boucouvalas of Buxton, Corey Googins of Buxton, Brittany Geaumont Rancourt and husband Josh Rancourt of Tucson, Arizona, Colleen Geaumont of Old Orchard Beach, great grandchildren Sydney Marie Googins of Buxton and Levi Joshua Rancourt of Tucson, Arizona, sister Libby (Gilman) Bayley and husband Calvin of Scarborough, nephews Tim Bayley and wife Jennifer, children: Owen, Avery and Isla, Frank Bayley and wife, Flora, Nicholas Bayley and wife Amanda, children: Jackson and Miles

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Iris Network of Portland Maine

Visitation will be 3- 6 PM,Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at the OLD ORCHARD BEACH FUNERAL HOME, 36 PORTLAND AVENUE, OLD ORCHARD BEACH.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 19, 2018 in St. Margaret's Church, corner of Saco Avenue and Old Orchard Street in Old Orchard Beach.

Condolences may be sent at oobfh.com.

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