Civil rights veteran Gilbert Caldwell has died
Active in Asbury Park's civic affairs in his retirement
Long-time civil rights leader and former Asbury Park resident Reverend Gilbert T. Caldwell has passed away.
Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn first confirmed Caldwell’s passing to the Sun.
Quinn called him “a compassionate, thoughtful, and inspiring man who stood with the LGBTQ community when many didn’t. We were lucky to have him in Asbury Park.”
After retirement, Caldwell moved to Asbury Park and was active in civic affairs with a focus on social and racial justice and reconciliation.
“On Friday September 4, we lost an icon, a giant in the Asbury Park community and civil rights movement,” said Rev. Nicolle Harris, a former member of the Board of Education.
“Learning of the passing of Rev. Gilbert Caldwell caused me to weep, pray and reminisce. It dawned on me that some of the most significant moments in my life over the last several years included Rev. Gil,” Harris said.
“At the Women’s March he was there, The Stand Against Hate Rally he was there, when I needed help with my work in seminary he was there,” she said. “He was always there for us and he always will be because he was unselfish with his time, love, and wisdom. Thank you, Rev. Gil, love you. “
Last year, Caldwell and his wife Grace moved to Middlesex County to live with his son.
An obituary has yet to be published online.
——————————————————————————————-
Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.
