Steven C. "Steve" Gilbert, Sr., 77, of Centre Township, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, in Reading Hospital. He was the husband of Vicki L. (Kochan) Gilbert. They were married on April 29, 1967.

Born in Harrisburg, Steve was the son of the late Charles H. Gilbert, Sr. and Viola N. (Smith) Gilbert. He attended Muhlenberg High School.

Steve worked for 35 years as a manager for Instant Whip, Blandon, until becoming disabled. Prior to Instant Whip, he worked as a mechanic at the former Lee Heffner Ford on 5th Street in Temple. Years ago, he also worked on race cars at Reading Fairgrounds. Steve was an avid Philadelphia sports fan and especially enjoyed the Phillies. He had a lifelong love of animals and enjoyed horse racing and training horses.

In addition to his wife, Vicki, Steve is survived by his son, Steven C. Gilbert, Jr., husband of Heidi L. (Beachell) Gilbert, Shoemakersville; and two daughters: Michelle L. (Gilbert) Zimmerman, wife of Ronald J. Zimmerman, Jr., Centre Township; and Kristine A. (Gilbert) Kuzan, widow of Kevin W. Kuzan, Hamburg. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Amanda, R.J., Elijah, Madison, David, Gabriela, Nathanael, Alicia, Brittany, Jeffrey, Karlene and Dillon; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Steve is further survived by three brothers: Bradley Gilbert, Randy Gilbert and Charles Gilbert, Jr.; and two sisters: Carol Millisock and Sherry Stern. He was predeceased by a brother, Barry Gilbert; and a sister, Linda Gilbert.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. from Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., 223 Peach Street, Leesport. A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Safety Net Sanctuary, 187 Houck Road, Fleetwood, PA. For online condolences, and to share memories, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com