Casey L. Gilbert

UTICA - Casey L. Gilbert, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 29, 2020. Born in Rochester on February 25, 1961, Casey was the daughter of the late Terrance D. “Terry” and Carol M. (Cornelius) Gilbert. She was a graduate of Whitesboro High School/Class of 1979 and attended the Mohawk Beauty School where she obtained her NY State License as a Hairstylist. The majority of her career was spent at the Styling Gallery in Whitesboro on Roosevelt Drive where her clients trusted her, became friends, and were an important part of her life. She practiced all phases of hairdressing and was beloved by patrons who shared a bond of gratitude, loyalty, and friendship with her. In both her professional and personal life, Casey was a fun-loving, and graced with the ability to have a genuine connection with many people. One of her greatest privileges was being the primary caregiver for her mom, Carol, and sharing a home with her during her life’s journey. They were best friends. She loved her brother, sister-in-law, and their family and the memories of the many summertime gatherings around the pool. Being with family on the holidays was a must for Casey, traveling to Rochester for Thanksgiving, and Utica for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Every autumn, Casey would reserve a week to rent a cabin in the Adirondacks for a retreat, a time to rest and read! She enjoyed movies at home and the theater. She also had an affinity for animals, especially felines and canines. She leaves her two furever companions Gus and Oliver. Casey was also a faithful supporter of the Abraham House, not only participating in their fund-raising events, but also contributing to the “Bird’s Nest”. She practiced her faith at St. Mary of Mt. Caramel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Terrance C. Gilbert, II and his wife Cherie Nappi-Gilbert; her niece, Danielle Cozza-Whiteley and her husband A.J.; great-nephews and great-niece, Albert “AJ” Whiteley, Geno Whiteley, and Amalia Whiteley; and her aunts, Jan Cornelius, and Audrey Cornelius. She also leaves her cousins, David and Laurie Eaton, Chad and Victoria Eaton, Nancy Sanders (late Greg Sanders), Matthew and Jessica Sanders, and Brittany Sanders and fiancé Michael Cortina; Faye Nappi and family, Jené and Daniel Rossi and daughter Willow; Danny and Leslie Nappi and their children Isabella, and Harper Nappi, and special lifelong friends who shared her life and supported her throughout the years, Kathy Calidonna, NY State Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon, Becky Sears, Linda Sarcone, Melanie Zurek-Miller, Lisa Cosimeno, and Grady Faulkner. She was predeceased by her aunt, Delores Willer; and uncles, Donald Cornelius, Joseph Cornelius, and William Willer. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Abraham House in honor of the end-of-life care given to Casey’s mom, Carol, online at https://www.theabrahamhouse.org or by mail to the Abraham House, 1203 Kemble St., Utica NY 13501, or to the Stevens-Swan Humane Society online at https://stevens-swan.org or by mail to Stevens-Swan Humane Society, 5664 Horatio St., Utica NY 13502. Please take a moment to connect with Casey’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our community support.

Casey L. Gilbert

February 25, 1961 - May 29, 2020