Gilbert Alexander Croley was born October 1,1930 to parents John and Jeanette (Jane) Croley. He was the fourth of seven children born to this union and was the last living survivor. Gilbert grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and was educated in the Cincinnati public school system. He joined the US Army and served in Europe right after WWII. He was later Honorably Discharged.

Gilbert moved to Cleveland Ohio and met Doris Holmes, the love of his life. They married June 27,1953 and were married 67 years. Doris died on November 25, 2020. To this union was born five children: Deborah, Linda Dianne Campbell (deceased), Sharon, Gilbert and Charisse.

Daddy was a real family man, a hard worker, and a wonderful father. He worked for General Motors Fisher Body plant and retired as a supervisor.  After leaving GM, he bought a Baskin Robbins’ franchise on Noble Road. He thoroughly enjoyed his customers and provided a part time job for daughter Charisse, granddaughter Danielle and neighborhood youths.

Daddy enjoyed taking his family on road trips and our memories of those trips are with us always. Daddy filled in when help was needed with our kids. He became the babysitter, the “pick up the kids from school” person, the person who was there for the kids at their events: meets, games, plays, ceremonies etc. Even though Daddy spent most of his time caring for the needs of his family he also had other titles. He was the “Ice Cream” man, “Coach” of a boy’s league baseball team, “Landlord”, “Big Gil” to neighborhood kids, and “Bingo Caller” at Church to name a few. He was a real man.

Gilbert fell asleep in death on February 14, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted children Deborah Dunams (Timothy), Sharon Mutlaq, Gilbert C Croley, (Anna) and Charisse Hogan. He’ll especially be missed by his grands who affectionately know him as “Gramps”: Danielle Board (Omar), Cicely Campbell, Alexis Carter (Michael), Taylor Croley-Brazier (Sean), Hasan Mutlaq, Mitchell Alex Croley, Nicolette Mutlaq, Timothy J. Dunams, Andre Hogan, Andrew Hogan, Brian Dunams, Denzel Mutlaq, Brooks Brown, Velanie Croley and Gilbert Croley Jr. He will also be missed by ten great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. Gilbert also leaves sisters-in-law: Mildred Croley, Pearline Young, Gloria Arnold, and Earline Porter as well as nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. And a special daughter Tracey Kirksey.