Milton Kilberg, 96, of Orlando, passed away May 18, 2019, peacefully at home with his family at his side after a short illness. "Milt" was born August 18, 1922, in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of Jacob and Fannie Kilberg (Ackerman). He met the love of his life Geraldine "Gerri" Lightstone oh Philadelphia and married one year later on September 11, 1948, and the two were happily married for the last 70+ years! When asked the secret to a long marriage, he was quick to remind people that she was the boss and he was nothing. Then, with a wink and smile, he'd let everyone know she was the "boss over nothing." They have a daughter, Ilene Wilkins, who currently lives in Orlando FL and is the CEO of UCP of Central Florida.
Milt enlisted in the Navy in 1942, and proudly served on the USS Saratoga during World War II. Following his service to our country, he earned his degree in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island. After graduation, he worked for over 35 years for RCA (acquired by General Electric), most notably working on the top-secret (later declassified) Lunar Express project.
1996, Milt and Gerri moved to Orlando to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. Milt had a wonderful sense of humor and a love for his New England sports teams (Patriots, Red Sox and Celtics), his Philadelphia sports teams (the Phillies, Eagles and 76ers) and over time learned to love the Orlando Magic (but wished they would start winning more games). He also enjoyed gambling, most notably beating "Jimmy the Greek" in a card game. In later years, he found more enjoyment with scratch off tickets.
He is survived by his wife, Gerri, daughter Ilene, grandchildren Jake, Brittany, Bradford, Shawn and Christine Wilkins, Ray Deveau and Mark Boisvert and the father of this grandchildren, Ron Wilkins. Milt is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother Gerald Kilberg and sisters Selma Berlin and Ruth Werfel.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Milton Kilberg Summer Camp Scholarship at UCP of Central Florida (www.ucpcharter.org)
A funeral service, with military honors, will be held at Beth Shalom Memorial Chapel, 640 Lee Road, Orlando 32810, on Tuesday, May 21, 2019, at 4:00 PM, with Rabbi Arnold Siegel of Jewish Family Services officiating. Burial will follow at Ohev Shalom Cemetery, 6034 Old Winter Garden Road, Orlando 32835.