Chad Ryan Del Gilbert

Chad Ryan Del Gilbert
November 3, 1973 - April 12, 2020

If you were a friend of Chad's, you were very blessed. Although, Chad was always contagiously upbeat, some of you may be surprised to know that he had a long battle with serious diabetes and painful psoriasis arthritis. At the end of his short life, he passed from complications of diabetes.

Everyone that knew Chad, knew his mother, Patty Gilbert and his grandparents Delbert and Chloe Gilbert that he spent a lot of time with and cared for. Especially his mother through her long and difficult illnesses. Patty was a loving, caring, hard working single mom. Chad learned from her and his grandparents at an early age to be a loving, family minded young man, conscientious and hard working. He made them very proud. Some of his cousins describe him as polished, professionally dressed or dressed appropriately well, carried himself well, fun, always ready to rough-house or read to his little cousins.

Chad was a graduate of North Central High School, class of 1992. Afterward, he graduated from IVY Tech State College with a Associate's degree in Hotel Motel Restaurant Management. He used his skills in a variety of settings, worked his way up the ladder and made a lasting impression as a talented leader most everywhere he went.

Chad had many passions. Just to name a few he enjoyed; The New York Yankees, the Chicago Blackhawks, Notre Dame Football, The Colts, movies like two of his favorites - The Godfather and Sixteen Candles, the iconic Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Sammie Davis Jr. and Dean Martin), Music, Gaming, many TV shows and an avid fan of the NFL Draft, Chad was never at a loss for words over most any subject you could throw his way - even the infamous Harpy Eagle.

For d a y s after his passing, we heard these comments (over and over) from people that had been touched by Chad. These words are etched into our hearts and so very, very true...
" Oh NO! Not Chad! Chad was such a great
guy! "
" He was so upbeat - I never knew he was ill. "
" He was too young. "
" Chad was a team player at work - always
willing to share his knowledge and
experience. I'm really going to miss him! "
" His neighbor just told me, but I can't
believe it. It makes me so sad to loose him. "
" Chad was so smart - one of the smartest
people that I ever knew. "
" He knew a lot of things about so many
subjects. "
" I enjoyed visiting with Chad for hours. "
" Working with Chad was a great experience
for me. He was an awesome Manager. "
" He was very intelligent, diverse and funny. "
" Chad had a brilliant mind. "
" He truly valued people. Especially family...
He treasured even simple family possessions
that he had. "
" It was a privilege to be his friend. "
" Chad will be so missed. "
" Chad was the best boss I ever had. He
taught me people skills and how to take
pride in my work. "
These, and other amazing compliments make our family so very proud of Chad.

Chad constantly asked for prayers for others, especially the last 4 years. He was known for putting other's needs before his own. We'd frequently say the prayers out loud, right then, and Chad would join in on the Amen!

Chad is already missed by tons of classmates, coworkers, friends, neighbors and family.
Friends are planning a Celebration of Life for Chad, probably in October 2020 due to Covid19, travel issues - so keep in touch to be involved. Thanks to all of you that touched a part of Chad's life and told him how much he meant to you.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to everyone at Indiana Funeral Care. They have been so wonderful to work with from the start, making this difficult time an easier one for our family. They live up to their last name: CARE.