POLAND – David “Brian” Gilbert, 40, formerly of Tampa, Fla., passed away at the Hospice House in Poland on Nov. 4, 2012, after a courageous battle with metastatic lung cancer.

Born on Jan. 26, 1972, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Brian was adopted by his parents, Charles A. and Debbie L. (Wardle) Gilbert on Oct. 2, 1985, in Pocatello, Idaho.

A 1990 graduate of Northeast High School in Clarksville, Tenn., Brian loved participating in sports and was a letterman in track and field, cross country and soccer. He was also a member of the Jr. ROTC. He enjoyed attending church camps.

Brian proudly enlisted in the Marines in July of 1990, and completed Basic Training at Parris Island, S.C. He was assigned a six month tour of duty in the Persian Gulf on the USS Wasp in 1991, and was discharged in 1994. He then worked as a long-haul truck driver.

Besides his parents of Poland, he is survived by his two children, Dannielle Brittany and David Brian Jr.; two grandchildren, Darrieana Christine Gilbert and Ronnie McMillon III, all of Milwaukee; special friend, Roberta “Bobbie” Gonzales of Tampa; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Warren and Dorothy Gilbert of Auburn, Wash. and Fred and Loretta Wardle of Poland.

Brian’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at ValleyCare Northside Medical Center, Northside Medical Center Radiation Oncology Department, MVI Home Care, Youngstown VA, Clemente Ambulance Service, the Hope Center, Hospice of the Valley and Hospice House for their care and compassion. They also extend a huge thank you to all family members and friends who provided support, prayers, cards, and meals during Brian’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to honor Brian’s memory may make a donation to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512 or Camp Frederick, P.O. Box 258, Rogers, OH 44455.

Memorial services will be held at the Good Hope Lutheran Church, 98 Homestead Drive in Boardman at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, with visitation from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and at the Friendship Baptist Church in Milwaukee on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis-Becker Funeral Home