Joel Richard Gilson

Joel Richard Gilson, 92, of Annapolis, MD, passed away peacefully in Annapolis, MD on January 6, 2024. Born on October 10, 1931, in Cambridge Springs, PA, Richard was a kind and gentle soul. He was a man full of gratitude and love, and his generous spirit and overall good cheer endeared him to many. He was a true gentleman and will be remembered for his dance moves, thoughtful listening, and dry wit - he was always ready with a greeting or a joke, right up until his final days. Lovingly called “Richard” by his friends and family, he is survived by his three children, Susan Gilson (65) of Annapolis, Maryland, Robert Gilson (63) of Morenci, Michigan, and Amy Corbin (61) of Frederick, Maryland. He was loved by numerous nieces and nephews, as well as his three grandchildren, Molly Gilson (22), Dan Corbin (41), and Riley Corbin (27). Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Joel and Josephine (Perkins) Gilson, his sister Jane Rose, and brother Jack Gilson. Richard attended Cambridge Springs High School in Pennsylvania, and later pursued higher education at Allegheny College in northwest Pennsylvania. He served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves, where he trained and worked in the National Security Group as a cryptologic technician, retiring from the reserves in 1975. Richard was involved in the early days of computing, working for several information management firms before starting his own tax preparation company. Alongside his partner, he expanded the business to include financial management for clients. Richard devoted his career to helping people through Gilson Financial until 2020. A lifelong Methodist, Richard most recently attended Asbury Methodist Church in Arnold, MD. He loved Asbury because it reminded him of the “homey” (his words) church he grew up attending. While living in California, he was a member of the Glendale First United Methodist Church for over 30 years. Richard will be fondly remembered for his embrace of life and whole hearted participation in several clubs in California. He had regular breakfast dates with the ROMEOS (Retired Old Men Eating Out) in Glendale for years. He was a long-time member of the Los Angeles Breakfast Club, a group that has been gathering in Griffith Park since 1925 to have fun and celebrate friendship. Richard acted as Master of Ceremonies for the LA Breakfast Club well into his 80s, and friends from the club continued to stay in touch and visit him after he moved to Maryland. As master of ceremonies, he was the first part of the Breakfast Club many longterm members fell in love with. He also served as President of the club, was a member of the board of directors, and worked tirelessly to revive the club from near extinction. Thanks to his wit and charm, he succeeded in spades. In addition to his regular breakfast outings, Richard was a beloved member of various swing dance groups, including one that met every Saturday night to dance to big band music at Disneyland’s Royal Theatre. Afterwards they would ride The Matterhorn and other attractions. He taught many friends to dance, including one couple before their wedding day, and was a welcome partner to many more. Richard was also a dedicated member of Al Anon Family Groups, sponsoring and befriending many over the years. His contribution to this community was meaningful and long-lasting, and he became a program icon. In his senior communities in Maryland - Manresa and the Annapolitan, he was known for his colorful suspenders, positive disposition, good appetite, fun costumes (including his tuxedo) and dancing to karaoke. He was kind to all, loved by many and will be deeply missed by his friends and family. A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Glendale in Glendale, CA on Saturday, April 27th at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Asbury United Methodist Church in Arnold, MD, or the Glendale First United Methodist Church, Glendale, CA.

Joel Richard Gilson

October 10, 1931 - January 6, 2024