John David Gilbert

On May 26, 2026, John D. Gilbert, 68, of Clarksville, Maryland, passed away. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1957 to Robert Hoff Gilbert and Betty Swope, John moved to Hagerstown, Maryland, and later lived in several Maryland communities before settling in Laurel.

John dedicated his life to caring for others through a distinguished healthcare career. Before becoming a Physician Assistant, he worked as a registered nurse at Leland Hospital and Prince George’s Hospital Center. It was at Leland Hospital where he met his future wife, Rosemarie, with whom he shared 35 wonderful years of marriage.

After completing his education and training as a Physician Assistant, John served patients in the emergency departments of Laurel Hospital and Doctors Hospital. He spent the final nine years of his career with Optum Serve, providing care and support to Veterans while also coaching and mentoring fellow team members.

During and after his undergraduate years at the University of Maryland, John volunteered with the University’s Help Center. As a trainer, he focused on group dynamics and therapeutic communication, experiences that helped shape the empathy, compassion, and understanding he brought to patients throughout his career.

John's commitment to helping others extended beyond his professional career. He also volunteered as an EMT and firefighter with the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, serving his community with the same compassion and dedication that defined every aspect of his life.

John enjoyed reading, fossil hunting, and cheering for his favorite sports teams, especially the Baltimore Orioles. One of his fondest memories was being in attendance when Cal Ripken Jr. broke the record for consecutive games played. He was also an enthusiastic landscaper who was always planning his next yard project. Walks around the lakes of Columbia were a favorite pastime, particularly on days when the weather was just right.

His love for wildlife was evident in everything he did—from leaving feed for the birds each day to gently rescuing house spiders and releasing them outdoors. He was always searching for the perfect cup of coffee and enjoyed an eclectic range of music, most recently developing a deep appreciation for classical works.

John will be remembered as “one of the good ones,” “a great friend,” “a beautiful man and splendid clinician,” and “a gentle, calm, and kind man.” His love, compassion, and care for others were evident throughout his life. Perhaps nowhere was this more apparent than in the devoted care and support he provided to his father-in-law, reflecting the loving husband and family man he was.

Above all else, John was devoted to his family, whose love and presence were the greatest joys of his life. John is survived by his wife, Rosemarie (Landi) Gilbert; his daughters, Lauren, Caitlin, Megan, and Kiera; his sister, Cindy Gilbert; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frisky’s Wildlife Sanctuary.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday June 4, 2026 from 3:00-7:00pm at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029. A funeral Service will be held on Friday June 5, 2026 at 11:30am at the Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD 21029 with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. 

John's kindness, compassion, and gentle spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.