Obituary: David M. Gilbert
David M. Gilbert of Topsham, an educator, scholar and passionate advocate for slow food who was remembered for his intellectual curiosity and generous spirit, died Aug. 19, 2026. He was 78.
Born in Sangerville on Aug. 5, 1948, Gilbert graduated as valedictorian from Piscataquis Community High School in 1966. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in history from Colby College in 1970 and later studied German at Middlebury College before traveling to Germany.
After returning to Maine, Gilbert began a career in education that would span decades. He taught at Higgins Classical Institute and Lewiston High School, and at Woolwich Central School, before pursuing graduate studies. He earned a master's degree from the University of Southern Maine and, in 1997, a Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He went on to serve as an associate professor of humanities and communications at Maine Maritime Academy until his retirement.
Gilbert's interests extended well beyond the classroom. A strong proponent of the slow food movement, he was invited to attend the organization's international conference in Turin, Italy, in 2004. He was also a frequent contributor of expert reviews to Booklist, where he evaluated nonfiction works in linguistics, humanities and communication. One of his most widely cited reviews was his analytical assessment of "The Language of Food."
An avid cyclist, Gilbert biked across both the United States and Ireland. He was also a devoted traveler, journeying extensively through Europe, often in the company of his beloved aunt and stepson.
Those who knew him described a man who found joy in quiet, everyday pleasures. He delighted in feeding the birds that visited his many feeders and tended a garden of flowers he often shared with others. He was devoted to his life partner, Kim Eder, and their beloved teacup terrier, Kaly, both of whom predeceased him.
He is survived by his brother, Dennis Gilbert, and his wife, Stephanie; his sister, Jane Gilbert; his stepson, Eli Eder, and Eder's husband, Jim Lydon; and his extended family, Don and Barbara Russell and their children.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick, followed by a brief interment ceremony at Rogers Cemetery in Topsham.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gilbert's memory may be made to Mid Coast Humane, 5 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, ME 04011. Messages of condolence may be shared at brackettfh.com.
