Gilbert "Gil" Letizia passed away on February 6 at the age of 91.  He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mabel; children Mark Letizia and partner Rick Dupuy of San Diego, Laura Weaver and husband Dick of Dacula, GA, Glen Letizia and wife Marcia of Highland Lakes, NJ, and Lisa Diamond and husband Kevin of Cornwall, NY; grandchildren Jack, Molly, Mary, Kevin, Ben and Emily; great-grandchildren Chloe, Simon, Nella and Remi; brother Ron Letizia; sisters-in-law Marie Letizia and Anita Letizia; and many nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Gil was one of seven children in the Letizia family.  He enlisted in the Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer, and it was during his travels in the Navy that he met the love of his life, Mabel.  After marrying in her hometown of Vancouver, BC, they lived in New York and New Jersey where they raised their four children.  Gil worked in the automotive repair business - joining with his brothers in shops in the Bronx and Manhattan

. A lifelong fan of big bands and jazz, he played the saxophone in a band with his sister and three of his brothers – The Five Sharps - entertaining at weddings and parties in the NYC area. Full of life and energy, Gil always kept busy with new projects and hobbies – creating beautiful waterfalls and landscapes in their homes, and later taking up cooking and baking.   And after moving to Georgia, he pivoted his career and became a baker – working for Panera for over 15 years before retiring at age 80. With a ready smile, wave and the gift of gab, Gil made friends wherever he went and leaves a legacy of kindness, honesty and generosity.  He was a wonderful man who will be missed by many.

The family is planning a celebration of life on Sunday, March 20 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or, as Gil was a lifelong blood donor, The American Red Cross.