Gilbert (Gib) Charles Layshock left this world to join his family and friends in heaven on Sunday, November 12, 2017.  He was surrounded by his family at the time of his passing.  He was a life-long resident of Newton Falls. 

   Gib was born at home to Mary and Joseph Layshock on Broad St. in Newton Falls on December 9, 1924.   He was the youngest of 6 children.  His brothers were John, Joseph, Peter and Andrew (Ace).  He also had a sister, Mary.  Much of his childhood was spent during the Great Depression.  He told many stories of the hardships his family went through during that time.  Gib remembered that there were only two cars in Newton Falls when he was growing up, and he laughingly said that he was hit by both of them.

   He went to Newton Falls Elementary and High School and was a gifted athlete.  He was a four-year letterman in baseball, basketball, and football and was the team quarterback.  During his senior year, the football team went 7-1 and he was unanimously voted captain.   He graduated in 1943 and next to his picture in the yearbook it says “Our Hero”.

    Upon graduation, Gib entered the Navy.  He trained to be an electrician and was assigned the U.S.S. Mission Bay during World War II.  He was honorably discharged on April 9, 1946.

     When Gib returned from the war, he met Jean Grodesky and fell in love.  They were married on May 20, 1950.  They spent much of their married life on Elizabeth St. in Newton Falls, where they raised four children.  Gib worked at Falls Steel and Tube as a shipping foreman until it closed.  He then worked as a custodian at Trumbull Career and Technical Center until he retired.

   Gib loved to fish, especially with his brother, Ace.  They knew the best places to catch crappie, which their mother would clean and cook for them.  He was an avid sports fan and faithfully followed the Cleveland Browns and Indians.  He and Jean even spent part of their honeymoon at an Indians game.  His favorite team, however, was Notre Dame.  He went to Notre Dame football games for many years.  Other interests included watching and reading westerns, going on gambling trips and spending time with family and friends.

   Gib was a devout Catholic and was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Newton Falls.

     Gib was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister.  He will be greatly missed by Jean, his wife of 67 years, daughters Marie Monteville (Rich), MaryAnn Ricci(Dino), Jo, and son Dan (Linda).   He was Papa to five grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.  He was also loved by many nieces and nephews.

    The Layshock Family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Laurie Ann Nursing Home, the Hospice of the Valley nurses and volunteers, and all of the friends and family who supported them throughout Gib’s illness.

     Calling hours will be Wednesday November 15 from 5 – 7 PM at the Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home in Newton Falls.  A funeral mass will be on Thursday November 16 at 10:30 AM at the St. Mary and St. Joseph’s Parish.  Gib will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery.  He will be honored for his service to our country with Military Funeral Honors.

    The family requests that donations can be made in Gib’s name to the Dementia Society of America P.O Box 600 Doylestown, Pa. 18901.

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