Gilbert L. Stephens, 72, a resident of Winter Haven, FL and long time resident of Deerfield passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014 following a brief illness. Gilbert was born on April 16, 1942 in Utica , the only son of Clifford and Edna (Miller) Stephens. He was raised and educated in Utica and spent his teen years at his mother's beloved camp on Fish Creek in Vienna, NY. Fish Creek remained his favorite place until his passing where he loved to spend time with his family and close friends. On May 6, 1961 Gilbert married Josette Cousin and together they raised three boys. At the age of 17 Gilbert enlisted in the US Air Force and traveled the world with his family living in such places as Goose Bay, Labrador, Philippines, Thailand, Spain, Germany, and Italy. Gilbert was also stationed at George Air Force Base in California and Langley Air Force Base in Virginia before his last assignment that brought his family home to Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome. Gilbert retired from the Air Force on June 30, 1985 after 26 years obtaining the rank Senior Master Sergeant. Following his retirement from the Air Force Gilbert joined Birnie Bus Service working for Tim Birnie as Director of Operations in Rome. In 1996 he opened the Utica Terminal and served as the terminal manager for both Utica Birnie Bus and Utica City Schools. Gilbert retired from Birnie Bus Service in June 2012 after 27 years of service. Gilbert is survived by his beloved wife Josette to whom he was married to for 53 years; his three sons and their spouses, Craig and Lyne Stephens, Fairview, TX, Mark and Teresa Stephens, Chittenango, NY, and Scott and Kathleen Stephens, Sewell, NJ; 6 loving grandchildren, Genevieve, Danielle, Natalie, Melissa, Lauren, Brian and his first great granddaughter, Emy; a special brother-in-law and his spouse; Ronald and Jacqueline Cousin, Utica, a niece, and her spouse, Madeline and Bob Kuhl, Winston-Salem, NC and a nephew, and his spouse, Marc and Betty Cousin, Stanley, NC. Gilbert is also survived by many relatives and close friends. Mr. Stephen's Memorial Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 10:00 at St. Mark's Church, 440 Keyes Rd., Utica. Burial will Military Honors will take place in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Whitesboro. Memorial calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 4-8 at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. Those so desiring please consider donations in Gilbert's name to the American Cancer Society.