Obituary for Bennie H "Dickie" Gilmore
Bennie Howard Gilmore, known by family and friends as Dickie. Dickie was born April 14, 1928 to Bennie Howard Sr, and Edith Gilmore. He was an only child, who was primarily raised by his mom and Stepfather Jim Turk. He spent his childhood on the upper west side.he attended NYC Public Schools, The High school of Aviation and Trades.
At age 15, Dickie went to work as a Concessioner and Porter for Harry M Stevens at various Baseball Fields. This is where he developed his love for baseball, his love for “ The Mets”. His fast pitch in softball, playing with the hustlers, west spiders and the semi-pro Falcons of The Colonial Charles Young League in Harlem.
In 1946 he enlisted into the Army as a diesel and aviation mechanic, he was honorably discharged in 1948. He worked various jobs as an auto mechanic, furniture mover, seamstress cutter, his most beloved job was a truck driver for Emery Trucking, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, where he retired in 1993.
In 1951, he married Marilyn O Wilkinson, who preceded him in death on January 13, 1997. From this union there were 5 children born, Bennie 3rd “Howie”, Edith” Sister”, Richard “Buddy”, Melinda “ Cookie”, and the baby Quentin “Butch”.
Dickie was a self taught, head strong self motivated, caring disciplinarian. When we did wrong, we got a slap on the hand or the belt. None of that time out, I’ll talk some sense into you nonsense like today. You fell in line when Dickie was present. Dickie was a father, way ahead of his time, he kept abreast on the latest technology. He learned Chess before it became a popular game, He taught Howie, Buddy and Kevin how to play at ages 5 and 7.
Dickie was a great photographer, he loved fish aquariums, building model planes. Dickie and Marilyn were so in tuned with the latest toys and gadgets, they knew what was right for which child or grandchild, they knew who’s personally uniquely fit which gadget.
In his later days, Dickie stayed active and involved with the younger generation. Always willing to teach them, providing guidance and Wisdom. As he aged into his 80’s, his health began to decline, after suffering a stroke in 2016. In 2019 he went to Fort Tryon Nursing and Rehab Center. Where he spent his last days until the Creator called him home.
He leaves to mourn his 10 grandchildren, Tanisha, Kevin, Tirza, Tameeka, Takeema, Cara, Isaac, Gilbert, Antaeus, Jared, Shreen, Quentin, 12 great grands, Roderick, Nyilah, Amari, Talik, Azarayah, Jayden, Annelise, Amira, Shadah, Shaquille, Iyana, and Daren, great-great grands Kamari and Azure. His sister in law Judith, son in law Jerry, daughter in laws Wynona , Cynthia and Diane, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Young and old, Dickie was loved by many.
If you knew Dickie, you had the pleasure of knowing one of the kindest, selfless, most generous people in the world. When you needed him, he was there. No questions asked. You will be missed. Til we meet again💕💕
At age 15, Dickie went to work as a Concessioner and Porter for Harry M Stevens at various Baseball Fields. This is where he developed his love for baseball, his love for “ The Mets”. His fast pitch in softball, playing with the hustlers, west spiders and the semi-pro Falcons of The Colonial Charles Young League in Harlem.
In 1946 he enlisted into the Army as a diesel and aviation mechanic, he was honorably discharged in 1948. He worked various jobs as an auto mechanic, furniture mover, seamstress cutter, his most beloved job was a truck driver for Emery Trucking, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, where he retired in 1993.
In 1951, he married Marilyn O Wilkinson, who preceded him in death on January 13, 1997. From this union there were 5 children born, Bennie 3rd “Howie”, Edith” Sister”, Richard “Buddy”, Melinda “ Cookie”, and the baby Quentin “Butch”.
Dickie was a self taught, head strong self motivated, caring disciplinarian. When we did wrong, we got a slap on the hand or the belt. None of that time out, I’ll talk some sense into you nonsense like today. You fell in line when Dickie was present. Dickie was a father, way ahead of his time, he kept abreast on the latest technology. He learned Chess before it became a popular game, He taught Howie, Buddy and Kevin how to play at ages 5 and 7.
Dickie was a great photographer, he loved fish aquariums, building model planes. Dickie and Marilyn were so in tuned with the latest toys and gadgets, they knew what was right for which child or grandchild, they knew who’s personally uniquely fit which gadget.
In his later days, Dickie stayed active and involved with the younger generation. Always willing to teach them, providing guidance and Wisdom. As he aged into his 80’s, his health began to decline, after suffering a stroke in 2016. In 2019 he went to Fort Tryon Nursing and Rehab Center. Where he spent his last days until the Creator called him home.
He leaves to mourn his 10 grandchildren, Tanisha, Kevin, Tirza, Tameeka, Takeema, Cara, Isaac, Gilbert, Antaeus, Jared, Shreen, Quentin, 12 great grands, Roderick, Nyilah, Amari, Talik, Azarayah, Jayden, Annelise, Amira, Shadah, Shaquille, Iyana, and Daren, great-great grands Kamari and Azure. His sister in law Judith, son in law Jerry, daughter in laws Wynona , Cynthia and Diane, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Young and old, Dickie was loved by many.
If you knew Dickie, you had the pleasure of knowing one of the kindest, selfless, most generous people in the world. When you needed him, he was there. No questions asked. You will be missed. Til we meet again💕💕