Gilbert M Font

Gilbert Manuel Font Jr., 86, of Port Huron, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Born on December 31, 1937 in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, Gilbert was the son of the late Gilberto and Mercedes Font. He spent his childhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico, surrounded by his four sisters and a large extended family.

Gilbert attended the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for high school and graduated in 1955. Continuing a family tradition, he attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering in 1960. After college, Gilbert returned to Puerto Rico and joined his family’s construction business in San Juan. Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served with the Army Corps of Engineers.

The time Gilbert spent in Michigan during his college years left a lasting impression on him. After his discharge from the Army, he returned to Detroit, drawn by the outdoor activities he had come to love, particularly skiing in northern Michigan. It was on one such ski trip in January 1968 that Gilbert met Marie Needham, through her brother John Needham. They were married in 1971.

Over the years, Gilbert and Marie lived in various places in Michigan and Puerto Rico before settling in Port Huron, where they raised their family. Gilbert worked as an engineer for the federal government, a career that spanned many years until his retirement.

A devoted father, Gilbert found great joy in supporting his children’s many activities, from soccer games and swim meets to Boy Scout campouts, paper routes and sailing events. He also enjoyed the annual island party celebrating the end of the Port Huron to Mackinac race. Gilbert loved music, dancing, and a good laugh, often laughing at himself.

Gilbert is survived by his daughter, Anna Font Kociba, and her husband, Eric, along with their four sons, Ben, Noah, Eli, and Henry; his son, Thomas Font and his daughters, Lily and Anabelle; and his son, John Font and his wife, Dr. Ling Chan, along with their children, Emmet, August, and Sylvia. He is also survived by his sister, Mercedes Font; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gilbert suffered from physical limitations in recent years and always appreciated the help he received from various caregivers.

Visitation will take place on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m.

Mr. Font will lie in state from 9:45 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at Holy Trinity Parish - St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Huron. The Reverend Bradley Forintos will officiate.

Burial will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Port Huron.

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made to Holy Trinity Parish. To send condolences, please visit pollockrandall.com