Go Fund Me Page Set up for Kevin Gilbert, Former East Brunswick School Security Officer, who Perished in South River Home Explosion

EAST BRUNSWICK/SOUTH RIVER, NJ - On Thursday, May 2, a home on 8 Continental Court, South River a two and a half story house exploded and was leveled, seemingly collapsing in on itself.  In the home at the time were Kevin Gilbert and his brother-in-law Curtis.

Curtis was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital for treatment. The other victim, Gilbert, 62, was discovered with fatal injuries. Gilbert succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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"Kevin Gilbert Sr., a retired member of the Newark Police Force from 1990 to 2016, was taken from us in a moment of unfathomable tragedy. As we mourn his loss, we find ourselves overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our community," says a Go Fund Me posting.

Gilbert had also been a School Security officer at Irwin School in East Brunswick until his retirement last year.  East Brunswick residents have been expressing concern for Gilbert's family, praising him for being a caring person who made their children feel safe.

Rachel Botnick of East Brunswick posted on Facebook: "Kevin Gilbert was a beautiful human being who protected my children and so many others daily! This is heartbreaking. Thank you for watching over our children. May his memory be a blessing always."

Cori Nunziata said, "RIP Kevin Gilbert. Thank you for watching over our Irwin kids. Prayers to the Irwin School family."

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A Go Fund Me page has been set up in Kevin Gilbert's memory as the extended family deals with the loss of their beloved husband and father and their home. To access the page, click here.

"Kevin Sr. was more than a retired police officer; he was the rock of the Gilbert family, a devoted husband, a loving son and father, as well as a friend to many. His commitment to serving others, both in his career and within the home, was unwavering," says the Go Fund Me appeal.

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