J. Gilbert Pickering

Pickering, J. Gilbert “Gil”, 91, died on August 10, 2020 at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Care Center.  He was the husband of the late Marion (MacQueen) Pickering and companion of the late Helen Abate.  Born in Providence, he was a son of the late James and Florrie (Sheargold) Pickering.

Gil was an engineer, employed by New York New Haven and Hartford Railroad, Penn Central, Boston and Maine Railroad, and Amtrak for a total of 42 years.  He received certificates in Air Brake Instruction and Basic Electronics and completed a course in practical horseshoeing.

Gil was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.  He was a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Mt. Moriah Lodge #8, Lincoln, RI.  Gil loved traveling and was an avid dancer.  He had also mentored many boys as a Big Brother.     He played both the organ and the banjo, the latter of which he played with the Rhode Island Strummers, a group that traveled to nursing homes to play for the residents.

Gil’s most treasured moments were spending time with his beloved family, including his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Pickering, his nephew, Lester Ellis (Martha), his niece, Denise Ellis, his niece, June Sherman (Frederick),  four great-nieces, Stacy Ellis, Melissa Ellis (Jeff), Mandie Saloh (Mohammed), and Courtney Dietz (Trent), and great-great nieces and nephews, Madison Turner, Ellis Fortune, Zaid Saloh, Ellery Fortune, and Andie Fortune.  He was predeceased by his brothers, Arthur and James Pickering and his sister, Doris Ellis, as well as his beloved dog, Angie.

His funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 am in the Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence.  Burial with military honors will follow in Highland Memorial Park.  Visitation will be held Saturday from 9:30-11 am with a Masonic service at 10:30 AM.  Masks will be required and social distancing protocols will be followed.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beacon Hospice, 1 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, RI 02914.