Gilbert L. Goscicki

ldquo;Gilbert had a cannon for an arm, and no one attempted to steal or 0run on him. So we would make them run.” Coach Tony taught Gilbert to ‘drop’ the ball and pretend he lost sight of it, looking from side to side, fooling the base runner. The runner would take off and fast as lightning Gilbert scooped the ball and threw the would-be runner out.

Tony and he became life-long friends and they would follow the various High School and college teams, freezing in the stands during football playoffs, Gilbert intently watching and studying always finishing with a stop at Beto’s for their famous pizza. Tony remembers a particular frigid November Pitt game. Pitt was losing but Larry Fitzgerald had a chance to break the Pitt record for consecutive touchdowns in a game. Gilbert insisted they stay, though they were among a handful of fans still braving the cold. Fitz came through at the end of the 4th quarter, though Pitt still lost. The record stands today.

Gilbert adored his mom (ma). They had a special connection and understanding that will never die. He told her he loved her every day of his life. “Love ya, ma!” He always told her she was seeing things, but the cross on Gilbert’s forehead when he passed was visible and a sign of comfort to Dee from her loving God. Gilbert, and his late brother James, were the center of Dee’s universe and her love and protection swirled around them. Her sons are now shoulder to shoulder, laughing and joking, and looking down on Dolores from above, knowing they will be in her loving arms again one day. Gilbert had his mother’s sharp wit and intellect.

Gilbert always said he had the “Best dad ever.” It was very sweet and heartwarming to see the two of them together and to know how close they were. Gilbert learned American Sign Language at a very early age and, partially because he could communicate so well, he knew his father as nobody else could or would. He loved to go fishing, camping, to Pirate games, to dinner, and to be with dad and, in recent years, his brother John. Gilbert had his father’s heart and warm and caring soul.

Gilbert was very proud of his son, Gibby. He spoke about him often, regaling anyone that would listen with stories of Gibby’s days at Central Catholic, as a hockey player and excellent student at the University of Pittsburgh, and later, of his success in business. He was very excited when Gibby was working in Europe. He loved Gibby and his wife Sarah and loved showing their wedding picture, which he kept on his coffee table.

Gilbert always wanted peace for Gibby’s mom, Lisa. While he may not have been able to show that while he was alive, he spoke of her kindly and always wanted the best for her.

Gilbert loved his family and friends. Love was a theme in Gilbert’s life and he never spoke ill of anyone (except maybe the Pirate owner). He wanted peace and happiness and nothing more than to bask in the love and friendship of those he knew. His family and the Southside community returned (and are returning) that love and support. In life, he could only give “air high-fives.” Now that his mental and physical limitations are no more, he can embrace us all with his love. Gilbert’s pain and demons are defeated. Be at Peace.

Age 50 of the South Side, passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2019. Beloved son of Dolores Goscicki and John Ramos; father of Gilbert "Gibby" (Sarah) Goscicki; brother of the late James "OJ" Parker and survived by John (Amy) Winegarden; nephew of Ruth and Tony Levenson and the late Evelyn Kronket; cousin of Tony, Richie and Albert; uncle of Jonathon and Jarrod Winegarden; beloved family member to Shannon Flannigan and Tony Vojtash.

THOMAS J.GMITER FUNERAL HOME INC., 2323 E. Carson Street.
http://www.thomasjgmiterfh.com

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