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Gilbert V. McGurl, Jr.

  • On January 17, 2025
  • 3 Comments

Gilbert V. McGurl, Jr., Gil to his friends and family, was born in Newark, NJ to Gil and Marcy McGurl in 1941. At the age of 9, Gil’s family moved to Mount Lebanon, PA. He would eventually graduate from Central Catholic High School two years early. He then received his undergraduate from  Carnegie Mellon University.He continued his studies and later received his Doctorate in Chemical Engineering. He then joined the US Army Reserve and was activated in 1965.

Gil served in the Vietnam War from May 1965 until May 1967 as an Engineer Officer. Upon returning from Vietnam, he remained in the Army Reserve until June 1973 when he was honorably discharged. Gil worked for Koppers Inc., a global chemical company. He then began his career for the Department of Energy from which he would eventually retire.

Gil was devoted to his church and spent his retired years playing his guitar in the church choir. He was enthusiastic about his golf game. His passion, however, was cycling and he donated much of his time not only riding but raising funds and coordinating improvements that enhanced the Montour Trail. Gil was a gentle and caring person, but a real fighter when it came to battling his cancer. As an avid bicyclist, Gil rode as often as possible throughout his 7 1/2 year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was planning to live a full and productive life and did his best to beat this disease. Gil passed away peacefully in his sleep last Saturday, January 11, 2025.

Gil was predeceased by his parents, his son Daniel McGurl; nephew, Robert D Hite and grand nephew, Christopher Slagle.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Noreen “Reen” Donnelly McGurl, his sons Gerald “Gerry” (Lisa) McGurl and Michael “Mike” (Diane) McGurl, and daughter-in-law Susan McGurl; foster daughter, Lisa Taylor;  grandchildren Taylor, Mara, Mia, Megan, Michael Jr. (Eve) and Samantha; great grandchildren Daniel Albert and Forrest Andrew; his sister, Margaret Hite (Ken) and nieces, Suzanne M Hite, MD and Holly Hite Begeal (Jim).

Family and friends are welcome on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 2-6 pm at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 12 noon at St. John the XXIII, St. Benedict the Abbot, 120 Abington Dr., McMurray, PA 15317. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH.  Burial will follow at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 1:30 pm.

No flowers please.  The family welcomes Memorial Masses in Gil’s name, donations to the Montour Trail,  http://montourtrail.org
or to Pancreatic Cancer Research, http://pancan.org
View Family Slide Show here:

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3 Comments

Lorraine Carabetta
Gil visited my late husband, Ralph, when he was in rehab with lymphoma cancer to offer hope. We always appreciated the encouragement.
Elizabeth A Babcock
I never met Gil personally but I heard nothing but great things about him from others who volunteer for the Montour Trail Council. Clearly, his loss hits many people deeply. I'm glad to volunteer for an organization that meant so much to him, and am personally grateful for the Montour Trail that he has helped to make possible.
Suzanne
Gil is my uncle and had a regular presence in his sister Margaret's family's life. From Margaret's wedding to visiting and surfing in Hawaii with us in the early 60's, visiting us in Washington DC and other military assignments we had, with his children, to serving as photographer at family weddings, attending and participating in recent family funerals, Gil was there supporting us. One of my favorite experiences was the backpacking trip he and his son Mike (age 11) and I (age 23) did in mid '70s to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. I joined Gil cycling in Pennsylvania on a few visits in later years. I extend my sincere condolences to Reen, Gerry, Mike and their families and to his sister, Margaret, my mother.
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