Louis J. Gilboord

Albany – It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Louis J. Gilboord of Albany on June 19, 2026. Louis was born in Haverill, MA, 77 years ago to Abraham and Marcia (Rabineau) Gilboord. Lou was the grandson of the well-known Cantor and Mohel Kenneth Rabineau and his wife Dora.

Lou and his parents moved to Albany in 1950, where he grew up. He attended Albany High School and the State University at Albany where he graduated as an English teacher. He taught at Bethlehem Central Middle School and then at the High School for 30 years. He was a beloved teacher there and was a great influence on many students who kept in contact with him even after graduation.

In June 1991, he won The Excellence in Teaching Award from the State University of New York at Albany for outstanding contributions and dedication to the field of teaching.

Lou also tutored many students for the English SAT Tests and helped guide his students into their choice of colleges and rewarding careers. Even years later when Lou would run into these students, they thanked him for his help and support.

But Lou’s greatest joy came from his family. He married Linda Ikler in 1971 and raised two children who were the light of his life. They went on many vacations together, had fun times together, and he was very proud of their accomplishments. When his children were grown, he and Linda traveled many places including Hawaii, Turks and Caicos, and Aruba.

Lou was an avid gardener and strangers would come up to him and compliment him on his beautiful flowers. He also loved going to movies, attending plays and going out with friends to interesting restaurants.

Lou was a long-time member of Congregation Ohav Shalom and The Knights of Pythias.

Lou was predeceased by both of his parents. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Gilboord; his beloved children, Seth and his wife Miriam and his daughter Kimberly and her husband Matthew Valentine; his adored grandchildren, Samuel and Elizabeth Gilboord and Max and Elaina Valentine; and his mother-in-law Thelma Ikler. He is also survived by many cherished friends and family.

Those wishing to remember Lou in a special way can make memorial contributions in his name to a charity involving children.

Funeral services for Lou will be held on Monday June 22nd at 3:00 pm at Congregation Ohav Shalom, 113 Krumkill Rd. in Albany. Burial will follow at Beth Abraham Jacob Cemetery on Fuller Rd.

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