Paul M. Gilbertz

Paul Gilbertz passed away suddenly on November 19th, 2021 at the age of 63 while traveling with his wife Katherine (who goes by Kathy).

Paul was born to Robert and Mary Gilbertz (nee Heuer) in 1958. Robert was in the US Marine Corps and Paul grew up in the DC area, as well as Hawaii. Paul worked for Verizon as a Systems Analyst, and prided himself on being the only person in the building who actually worked. He married Kathy in November of 1993.

Paul loved traveling and the outdoors, his younger years were spent hiking in the woods and backpacking. His knees regret all those miles, but Paul still thinks back fondly of those times in the woods. Paul loved music, especially because it didn’t bother his knees. He played his guitars, ukuleles, bass guitars, and keyboards to the delight of his family. Paul loved photography, aviation, US history, and the space program, as well.

Paul loved Washington sports, especially the football team, the Capitals, and the Nationals (not-so-secretly, his favorite part was complaining about none of them winning enough). Paul’s face glowed every time he discussed the Capitals 2018 Stanley Cup Championship or the Nationals 2019 World Series win. Paul enjoyed Washington’s 1983, 1988, and 1992 Super Bowl championships but he figured they would never do that again. Prove him wrong, Football Team.

Most of all, Paul loved sharing these passions with his family, and taking them to see the important historic places and attractions related to those passions.

Paul is survived by his wife, Kathy; his children: Matthew (Casey), Stephanie, Rachel, and Sharon; and his grandchildren: Allen, Indiana, Bayne, Athena, and Cyrus. Paul is also survived by his sisters: Pamela, Barbara, and Carol. Of his children, he used to say there’s only one he liked. We all have our theories.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents; and a granddaughter, Renee.