Robert A. “Bob” Gilman, 88, longtime resident of Milford, NH, died on October 20, 2024 at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, Nashua, NH.

He was born on February 1, 1936 in Brockton, MA, the son of Frank Henry Gilman and Verna Dorothy Forsyth-Gilman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Frank Gilman, and a sister, Betty Rivard.

He is survived by his loving wife, Laura Patten; a sister, Elsie LaCount; four biological children, four stepchildren, 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Robert was a graduate of Rockland High School; shortly after graduating he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country for eight years locally and overseas in Korea.

After he was honorably discharged from the Marines, he went on to further his education by attending the Wentworth Institute and Franklin Tech where he majored in Electrical Engineering. He became a Master Electrician in 1960. He stayed in the field for many years until he was forced to retire due to declining health.

Robert worked for 13 years in the Local 103 in Boston and in 1974 he opened his own electrical contracting business, first as Bell Electric and then as Gilman Electric in Milford, NH.

Robert was a member of the VFW Post #4368 and also the American Legion Post #0023 in Milford, NH for many years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason at the Clinton Lodge in Wilton, NH.

In 1999, he became a Shriner, joining the Bektash Shriners in Concord, NH. He served in many roles including on the board of governors for the Shriner Maple Sugar Bowl Games, but his pride and joy was being part of the Bektash Mini-Kar Patrol as an adjutant for the group and going to many parades driving his little car raising money for the Shriners Burn and Orthopedics hospitals in Boston, MA, and throughout the United States and Canada.

At his request, there will be no calling hours. Robert was laid to rest on Tuesday, October 29th at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen, NH with full military honors. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please go to www.smith-heald.com