Richard Wayne “Peep” Gilson, Sr., 64, of East Salem passed away at 10:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family.
Born on October 7, 1950 in Lewistown, Mifflin County, he was a son of the late Ralph M., Jr. and Vera (Saunders) Gilson. On April 25, 1969, he married his surviving wife, Sandra J. (Bassler) Gilson, with whom he was blessed to share more than 46 years of marriage.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Crystal Kessler and her husband Randy, of Newport, Danelle Kline and her companion Nathan Hackenburg of Selinsgrove, Richard W. Gilson, Jr. and his wife Julie, Michael Gilson all of East Salem, two brothers, Ralph M. Gilson, III and his wife Barbara, of Port Royal, Ronald E. Gilson and his wife Dona of Shippensburg, his mother-in-law, Jane Bassler of East Salem, 8 grandchildren, Jennifer, Sarah, and Allee Kessler, Tony Ortiz, Connor Kline, Bethany, Richie, and Jake Gilson.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen S. Kohler and her husband Alan C. Kohler.
Mr. Gilson was a 1968 graduate of Tuscarora Valley High School, Port Royal and a member of the River Church, Mifflintown, the J.E. Bowen, Jr. Am Vets Post 122, Thompsontown. He also served as the secretary-treasurer of the East Salem Municipal Authority. He volunteered his time for several years as the Little League Baseball coach of Thompsontown and in 1984 his team won the league championship.
In earlier life he was employed by the American Viscose Corp., Lewistown, then he worked for Gingrich Concrete, McAlisterville and later he worked for Hempt Bros., Harrisburg, after which he owned and operated his true career and passion Gilson’s Signs, East Salem.
“Peep” loved taking care of his parrots Sonny and Cher along with his dogs Gracie and Alex. He also found enjoyment from camping, NASCAR, and riding his 4 wheelers; however his greatest joy came from spending time with his family especially his grandchildren
Rich’s legacy will be one of a counselor, helper, confidante and friend. “Until then try to put a smile on someone’s face.”
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2015 from the Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville with the Pastor Bob Landis officiating. Interment will private.
A visitation will be held from 4 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 with the family present from 6 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorial donations in Mr. Gilson’s memory may be made to the ALS Association, Western PA Chapter, 416 Lincoln Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15209 or to the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online tributes and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.

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