Gail Gertrude (Hilbert) Gannon of Monmouth Beach passed away quietly Feb. 24, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, John Joseph Gannon Jr.
Gail lived in Monmouth Beach in a home she and John built where they raised their family of four. Gail is probably best known for her artistic talents, recreating many local vintage historical scenes on canvas. Inspired by friends and the teachings of Ida Libby Dengrove (an Emmy-winning courtroom illustrator for NBC-TV News), Gail began her oil paintings of borough scenes in the 1960s and continued well into her last years.
To some, Gail was referred to as Monmouth Beach “artist-in-residence” for her much-admired historic paintings chronicling old-time Monmouth Beach. Gail’s artwork has been displayed at the Cultural Center in Monmouth Beach, libraries and other community buildings. She was involved in local groups, including the Sandpipers Club, The IBEW Pioneers and The Family & Children Services. Gail was active in the preservation of The Coast Guard Station (Cultural Center). She also enjoyed charitable work collecting clothing and books for veterans, among other good deeds.
Gail loved her time with her family and making the most delicious blueberry pie sought out by family and friends.
Gail was predeceased by her brothers, John Hilbert and Ronald Hilbert. She is survived by her four children, John Joseph Gannon III (wife Patricia), Trudy Gannon (husband Karl), Patricia Gannon (husband John), Ron Gannon (wife Stacy) and six grandchildren, Lauren, Bryan, Matthew, Kaleigh, Minna and Christopher.
Visitation was held March 5 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was held March 6 at Church of the Precious Blood, Monmouth Beach. Burial followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center, 128 Ocean Ave. North, Monmouth Beach, NJ 07750.
The article originally appeared in the March 16 – 22, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
