Dr. Albert F. Gilbert, PhD

Dr. Albert Francis Gilbert, age 86, of Akron, Ohio, died peacefully on April 5, 2024 in the loving care of Summa Health System Palliative Care and Hospice. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio on April 25, 1937.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Gilbert and Ann Gilbert Fitz; his sister, Judy Craze; and his beloved daughter, Sheryl Gilbert Doubell (Eric). He is survived by the woman he loved for 68 years, Jonne Gilbert (nee Bucher); and his daughters, Mary Ann Ridgway (Doug) and Laura Semenzin (Michael); and all of his grandchildren who loved, admired, and adored him, and he them, to the end – Chris Doubell (Anne), Phillip Doubell (Nicolette), Katie Doubell (Brett Hutkay), Jona Ridgway (Joshua Stotler), Dillon Ridgway (Gabriela Scorti) and Jackson Semenzin. Al and Jonne had many poodles during their life together, but it was his beloved Lexi who remained by his side to walk him home.

Al had a love for life, and one of his greatest qualities was his endless optimism.  He cherished time with family and visits from his grandkids. He wanted nothing more than what he had in life, to be surrounded by the people who loved him.  He enjoyed the simple things the most, from morning coffee while reading the paper with Jonne, to taking a drive through the valley to Szalay’s. In earlier years, he could be found on the golf course (most likely at Portage or Firestone) ready to take on the next hole. More recently, you’d find him having regular lunches with his dearest friends and spending time with his grandchildren. Summers over the years meant more golf, trips boating the Chesapeake Bay in a chartered Grand Banks trawler, and annual family vacations in Michigan.  The memories created with him will be cherished forever.

Dr. Gilbert’s education began with a Bachelor of Arts from Heidelberg College (1959, where he and Jonne first met their freshman year), a Master of Hospital Administration from The University of Michigan (1962) and a Doctor of Philosophy from Georgia State University (1973).

Dr. Gilbert spent most of his esteemed career in Akron, Ohio, joining Akron City Hospital (ACH) as Chief Executive Officer in 1974. During his tenure as CEO, he developed Akron City Hospital into a major academic medical center with high quality medial education and clinical research. He was also involved in the role ACH played in the development of the medical school for Northeast Ohio (NEOMED). In 1989, he successfully merged ACH with St. Thomas Hospital to become Summa Health System, where he served as President and CEO. He continued to grow the system with additional hospitals and ambulatory facilities. He also helped pioneer SummaCare, an entity that integrated the delivery and financing of healthcare, which remains today as a premier insurance option.

Dr. Gilbert was a mentor and teacher to countless young healthcare leaders and leaves a professional legacy of fairness, mentorship, inclusion, and a culture of collaboration and respect. His personal legacy is being adored by his family and countless friends and colleagues.   His leadership was an embodiment of the culture he created – always – with the end goal being accessible, quality patient care, and a positive patient experience. He didn’t just lead a hospital, he created an environment of cohesiveness, kindness and care, carried throughout the hospital at every level.  He leaves a legacy at Summa Health System that his family encountered repeatedly in the people they met whose time at the hospital overlapped with his.

Dr. Gilbert ended his life in the hospital where he spent most of his career, and where his memory will forever be etched in it’s history. He received the best care and encountered the most amazing staff – the nurses, doctors and hospital employees made his final days peaceful and surrounded by skill, compassion and respect. He would say without hesitation: “I did it my way.”

He will truly never be forgotten. A life well lived, with courage and grace, that could be seen by those who surrounded him, a life full of amazing memories. That is how we will celebrate our husband, father, grandfather, colleague, and friend. 

Please join Dr. Albert Gilbert’s family in Celebrating his Life from 2-5 P.M. SATURDAY April 13th, 2024 at Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Summa Foundation (525 E. Market St. Akron, OH 44304) or to NEOMED (Advancement Division, 4209 St. Rt. 44, P.O. Box 95, Rootstown, OH 44272). 

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.