Dr. Ivan S. Gilbert Obituary (1922 - 2013)

Ivan S. Gilbert, M.D., born January 10, 1922, died on May 18, 2013, at Zusman Hospice. Preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Fannie Gilbert and sister, Dorothy Friedman. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marcella Gilbert; sons, Laurence Gilbert, Richard Gilbert and Jonathan Gilbert; brother, Mack Gilbert; nephews, Daniel Friedman and James Friedman and many other cousins and friends. Ivan was a true polymath and Renaissance man—a dynamic, engaging, and multifaceted physician and businessman with wide-ranging interests and accomplishments. His experience reflected his entrepreneurial spirit, athletic achievements, business successes and medical acumen. Ivan founded or co-founded: The Gilbert Companies, which was admitted to the American Stock Exchange, American Health Holding, Inc., Ohio Hospice Association, Columbus Chapter of Hospice, Leo Yassenoff Jewish Community Center, Congregation Torat Emet, Jewish Family Services, the Aldus Society, Columbus Chapter of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). As a founder of Torah Academy, one of the country’s leading Jewish day schools, he received the Amidah Award from the National Hebrew Day School Movement. Ivan was a member of The Ohio State University Community Advisory Board to the Office of Geriatrics/Gerontology. He was a board member and past president of the Columbus Historical Society, The Ohio State University President’s Club, and Varsity “O”. Ivan was a member of the first OSU Fencing Team ever to win an NCAA title and is an All-American foil and épée fencer. In 2002, the Columbus Touchdown Club named him OSU Fencer of the Century, and he is a member of the OSU Athletics Hall of Fame. Ivan was the owner of A.A. Miran Arts and Books.Ivan authored three published books—two books of poetry (Sparrows Fly Sideways and Barriers Down) and a collection of essays (My Brother Married Groucho Marx). His fourth book, Patterns, will be published later this month, and Saving American Judaism is forthcoming. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, May 21st at CONGREGATION TORAT EMET, 2375 E. Main St. with Rabbi Howard Zack officiating. Shiva will be observed at the Gilbert residence on Tuesday from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to Congregation Torat Emet, Torah Academy, Columbus Jewish Foundation or the Columbus Historical Society in his memory.