John B. Gilmore

John B. Gilmore (Doc) 96 of Oxford, CT, formally of Elkader, Iowa, passed away at CT Hospice on October 14, 2021. He was born April 3, 1925, in New Bedford, MA, to John B. and Georgianna (Bazinet) Gilmore.

After graduating from high school in 1942, John enlisted in and entered the U.S. Navy on August 1, 1942.  He was proud to have served during WWII. On April 30, 1946, he was honorably discharged as a Pharmacist’s Mate, First Class.   He was months shy of reclassification to 1st Class Petty Officer, but he longed to be with his wife, the former Virginia Lee of Osterdock, IA, whom he married on September 24, 1945. They settled in IA and John enrolled in pre-dental studies at Loras College in Dubuque, before entering the University of Iowa, School of Dentistry.

After his graduation Doc, as he became known, and his wife Ginny, established a dental practice in Elkader, Iowa, where they raised three children and became involved in the community. Always a curious man, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, problem solving to improve the efficiency of daily living. He was a founding member of the Elkader Golf Club and the Carter House Museum where he and Ginny made numerous donations.  He was proud to be a lifelong member of the VFW and had served as Commander of the Elkader Post, but his biggest pleasure was to encourage his children in their school and athletic endeavors.  Doc was a kind and generous man with a quick dry wit and a twinkle in his blue eyes. His steadfast care of his dear Ginny during her prolonged illness exemplified the strength unique to his generation.

Doc is survived by three children; James of Bynum, MT, J.L. of Phoenix, AZ; and Mary (Steve) Sokol of Oxford, CT with whom he made his home for the past four years; five grandchildren; Steve (Aileen) Sokol and Adam (Robin) Sokol of CT, John Gilmore of MT, Sarah Gilmore of SC, and Jed of AZ; seven great-grandchildren; Stephen, Jackson, Sloane, Adam and Shane Sokol of CT and Jayden and Madison of MT; a nephew James Gersin and niece Cathy Morochnick. He was predeceased by his parents, wife, infant son (Luke) and his sister Elaine Gersin.

A small service  was held privately at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Oxford, CT.  Burial, with Military Rites, will be at a later date at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery in Elkader, Iowa. Memorial donations can be made to Sister of St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave., Dubuque, Iowa 52001 or Carter House Museum, 102 2nd St. SE, Elkader, Iowa 52043. The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia has been privileged with the local arrangements.

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