William M Gilmore Obituary (1918

William M. Gilmore Educator, Teacher William M. Gilmore, age 90, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully at the Norwalk Hospital on Friday, January 30. He is survived by his wife, Emma B. Gilmore, to whom he was married for 62 years. In addition, he is mourned by his two sons Thomas C. Gilmore and William M. Gilmore Jr. William M. Gilmore was born in Gaffney, South Carolina. He shared the household with a younger brother, Thomas Gilmore, who predeceased him. From his early years, William Gilmore excelled in school. Economic circumstances forced him to earn his way though school. Nevertheless, he graduated with high honors while serving as class president and editor of the school newspaper of the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina. Later in his career, he supported his young family by driving a cab in Philadelphia while attending Temple University from which he received a Master of Education. He completed his formal education with by earning a six-year professional diploma from the University of Bridgeport. Gilmore met his future wife, Emma Brantley, while teaching in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Both he and Emma taught in the segregated school systems and both were united in their tireless advocacy for civil rights for all students and citizens. After his marriage to Emma Brantley, Gilmore moved to Norwalk, CT in 1953 where he became among the first African Americans to be employed by the Norwalk School system. He was joined the next year by his wife and two children. Emma Gilmore later joined the Norwalk school system as an elementary school teacher, much beloved by her students. Gilmore served and taught in Norwalk for the entirety of his professional educational career. He first taught Science in the old Center Junior High School before moving to Norwalk High where his skills as a Chemistry Teacher became a widely recognized asset of that school. Later he served as a Housemaster, and Vice and Senior Principal at Norwalk High after the new building was completed. Gilmores excellence as a teacher was widely recognized by his students as well as colleagues. The Norwalk Board of Education honored him after his retirement with a Distinguished Merit Award. He was known for his capacity to inspire the best efforts from his students and even those lest gifted as students found encouragement by his firm unwillingness to accept anything less than their best. Mr. Gilmore's dedication to the City of Norwalk found expression in his tireless devotion to community service. He gladly served on the boards of many non profit organizations and was ever available as a volunteer for the many causes he espoused, from civil rights to educational literacy. Mr. Gilmore was also tirelessly devoted to his Church the Norwalk United Methodist Church. Gardening was a beloved hobby and Gilmore never tired of the endless hours he devoted to planning and cultivating new plants and vegetables. He was always vigilant in the search for ever new plots of lands which he could turn into his personal farms and garden. An avid reader, Mr. Gilmore's personal work space was invariably an obstacle course composed of numerous books and magazine articles he read. He was equally tireless in his desire to inspire others with his love of learning and personal improvement. His impact on the community was beloved by his family and friends who miss and mourn his passing. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends and family consider donations to the Norwalk chapter of the NAACP, the Norwalk United Methodist Church, and the Agricultural and Technical College of North Carolina. Funeral Services are 11:00 AM Friday, February 6, 2009 at Norwalk United Methodist Church, Rev. Janet Hodge, officiating. A Gathering is from 10:00 AM until time of Services at the Church and Interment at Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut Baker Funeral Services 84 S Main Street Norwalk, Connecticut 06854 (203) 857-4155 Office (203) 852-6977 Fax Email: [emailprotected] "We Care"