Kenneth Deen Gilbart passed away peacefully in Herndon, Virginia on April 18, 2026 at the age of 81.

Born on August 1, 1944 in West Palm Beach, Florida he spent most of his formative years in St. Petersburg, FL. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School, The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and Emory Law School.

He began his career as an FBI agent out of law school working as a field agent for three years before joining United Airlines as a Special Investigator for Fraud Prevention. During his 28 year career at United he was based in San Francisco, Northern Virginia and Chicago. He met his wife of 49 years Mary Beth (Higgins) Gilbart on a blind date in San Francisco. Together they raised two sons and enjoyed traveling with favorite trips including the beaches of Hawaii and salmon fishing in Alaska.

Ken began collecting stamps at the age of 10, starting a lifelong passion for Philately and American History. His award -winning collection, featuring the 10-cent 1861 issue earned Large Gold and Gold medal awards at stamp exhibitions worldwide. His research contributions for the American Philatelic Society will be long remembered.

After his retirement, Ken served as a co-assistant at Smithsonian National Postal Museum and volunteered with Travelers Aid at Washington Dulles International Airport.

Ken will be remembered for his integrity, humor, infectious laugh and smile as well as his savage cribbage game. Even after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2006, he continued to live with strength, resilience and grace.

Ken is survived by his wife Mary Beth Gilbart; sons Brian Kenneth Gilbart (Christie) of Ridgewood, NJ and Michael John Gilbart (Erica) of Alexandria, VA, three grandchildren, Mae, Gwen and Rowan and his sister, Jane (Gilbart) Dallager of Colorado Springs, CO and many extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at his home in Herndon, Virginia. All are welcomed and would like those attending to please share your favorite Ken Gilbart stories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests to make a donation to the charity of your choice in the name of Kenneth Deen Gilbart.