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Gilbert C. Layshock 1924-2017

NEWTON FALLS — Gilbert “Gib” Charles Layshock left this world on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017, to join his family and friends in heaven. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing. He was a lifelong resident of Newton Falls.

Gib was born on Dec. 9, 1924, at home on Broad Street in Newton Falls to Mary and Joseph Layshock. He was the youngest of six children. His brothers were John, Joseph, Peter and Andrew “Ace.” He also had a sister, Mary.

Much of his childhood was spent during the Great Depression. He told many stories of the hardships his family went through during that time. Gib remembered that there were only two cars in Newton Falls when he was growing up, and he laughingly said that he was hit by both of them.

He went to Newton Falls elementary and high schools and was a gifted athlete. He was a four-year letterman in baseball, basketball and football and was the team quarterback. During his senior year, the football team went 7-1, and he was unanimously voted captain. He graduated in 1943, and next to his picture in the yearbook it says “Our Hero.”

Upon graduation, Gib entered the Navy. He trained to be an electrician and was assigned to the U.S.S. Mission Bay during World War II. He was honorably discharged on April 9, 1946.

When Gib returned from the war, he met Jean Grodesky and fell in love. They were married on May 20, 1950. They spent much of their married life on Elizabeth Street in Newton Falls, where they raised four children. Gib worked at Falls Steel and Tube as a shipping foreman until it closed. He then worked as a custodian at Trumbull Career and Technical Center until he retired.

Gib loved to fish, especially with his brother, Ace. They knew the best places to catch crappie, which their mother would clean and cook for them. He was an avid sports fan and faithfully followed the Cleveland Browns and Indians. He and Jean even spent part of their honeymoon at an Indians game. His favorite team, however, was Notre Dame. He went to Notre Dame football games for many years. Other interests included watching and reading Westerns, going on gambling trips and spending time with family and friends.

Gib was a devout Catholic and was a faithful member of St. Joseph Parish in Newton Falls.

Gib was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister.

He will be greatly missed by Jean, his wife of 67 years; daughters, Marie (Rich) Monteville, MaryAnn (Dino) Ricci and Jo; and son, Dan (Linda). He was “Papa” to five grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was also loved by many nieces and nephews.

The Layshock family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Laurie Ann Nursing Home, the Hospice of the Valley nurses and volunteers and all of the friends and family who supported them throughout Gib’s illness.

Calling hours will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at the Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16, at the St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish. Gib will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery. He will be honored for his service to our country with military funeral honors.

The family requests that donations be made, in Gib’s name, to the Dementia Society of America, P.O Box 600, Doylestown, Pa. 18901.

Visit www.borowskimemorialhome.com to send condolences.

(special notice)