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Celebrating the life of

Harvey John Gilbert

May 16, 1953 - August 31, 2025

Harvey John Gilbert

Harvey John Gilbert, 72, passed away peacefully on August 31, surrounded by his family in Savannah, GA. Born and raised in Savannah, Harvey graduated from Savannah Country Day in 1971 and was a proud member of the school’s only State Championship football team. Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, he attended the University of North Carolina, where he studied history, cheered for his beloved Tar Heels, and met the love of his life. He married his wife, Cindy, in 1977, and together they raised two children, Mary and John.

Harvey devoted fifty years to his real estate practice, building a reputation for a keen intellect and uncompromising integrity. Beginning his career under the tutelage of his father, he held leadership positions in a national real estate firm and the real estate arms of a Big-Six accounting firm and Fortune 100 company. In 2003, Harvey realized his dream of launching his own business with his partner of 22 years, Stephen Ezelle, and later his son, John. He dedicated his career to promoting sustainable development throughout his native Coastal Georgia region, earning numerous accolades and awards. Harvey was a leader in the Savannah community, serving on a number of boards and civic organizations, including the Rotary Club of Savannah, the Executives Association of Savannah, the Savannah Area Realtors Commercial Alliance, Senior Citizens, Inc., and others.

Harvey never met a stranger. He had an innate ability to connect with people of all ages from all walks of life. A well-known raconteur, Harvey was a gifted storyteller and was often found regaling friends and family with tales that grew taller over time. He loved showing off his home town to visitors on his one-of-a-kind walking tours and had a story about nearly every building in downtown Savannah and the colorful characters who lived and worked there.

Sports and games shaped Harvey’s life and he spent his down time on the football field, basketball court, soccer field, tennis court, or croquet lawn with his friends, kids, and grandkids. During holidays and family trips, he officiated “La Competition,” a multi-generational, multi-day, multi-sport contest (that only occasionally ended in tears). He often prevailed in epic ping-pong matches in the garage and hard-fought games of Horse in the driveway. He spent each March glued to March Madness, cheering for the Tar Heels (and against the Duke Blue Devils). And he spent some of his favorite days fly fishing with John and his friends.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Bryson Gilbert and Jane Joyce Gilbert, and brother, Thomas Bryson Gilbert, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Thompson Gilbert; children, Mary Gilbert Kaiser (James) and Harvey John Gilbert, Jr. (Bailee); sister, Marnell Gilbert Sanford; brother-in-law, Gary Edward Thompson (Betsy); sister-in-law, Anne Thompson Sullivan (Dennis); niece, Catherine Corish Grant (Scott) and her family; and cherished grandchildren: Henry Gilbert Kaiser, Emma Anne Kaiser, Margaret Marnell Gilbert, and Thomas Archer Gilbert. They will treasure memories of their BeeBop dancing (a bit goofily) to Motown music, transforming into the Tickle Monster, reading Ping, and sharing his wisdom by telling delightful stories about his life and loved ones and creating new ones together. A friend and mentor to many, Harvey will be remembered as the quintessential Southern gentleman with a huge heart, iron will, and competitive streak that occasionally got him into trouble but never for long.

A visitation will take place at Fox & Weeks Hodgson Chapel on Friday September 5th from 4:00 to 6:30 PM with a Rosary service to follow. A funeral service will be held at Christ Church Episcopal on Saturday September 6th at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to ARTS Southeast and Elevate Savannah, organizations advancing causes that were dear to Harvey.

A reception will be held following the service, at The Chatham Club.  

 

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Harvey was always the life of the Family party. Our family was blessed to have his wit and love of history and a good story. We will truly miss his passion for his family, history and Savannah. RIP Harvey.

- Gary and Betsy Thompson, Bethany Beach, DE

Harvey and I used to sit in the back of the bus going home after school

- William H Hogan III, Cayce, SC

Please accept my deepest condolence doing this difficult time

- Teal Thomas, Savannah , Georgia

So sorry! He will be missed by all.

- Jim McIntosh , Savannah , Georgia

While we did not know each other well, Harvey was always kind to me with a smile and jovial greeting. Savannah will miss him.

- Joseph Marinelli, Savannah, GA

I only met Harvey when he and Cindy traveled to their vacation home on Bald Head Island but he was the indeed the quintessential Southern Gentleman. My heart goes out to Cindy and their family as they deal with this loss. What wonderful memories they have of a loving husband, father, grandfather and sibling. My sincere condolences to all, Susan Terrio

- Susan J Terrio, SAVANNAH, GA

Please accept our deepest condolences.

- Gerry and Sally Cowart, Sav, Ga

Harvey was a fine figure of a good man. I always enjoyed bumping into him on his many jaunts downtown. Always sharing a big smile and warm greeting. My condolences to your family

- Joan Sumner, Savannah, ga.

Harvey will always be a dear friend and missed so very much by so many. We grew up together and went through Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school. Always decent and kind a true buddy! Rest in peace Harv the Marv!!!!

- Marian Maner Castillo, Evans, Ga

Harvey was a trusted friend and professional. Always sharing news and stories about his growing family. He was, indeed, a proud papa! Harvey was steadfast in offering keen professional advice and encouraging insights. I will miss his uplifting spirit. My heartfelt condolences to Cindy, John, and his entire family.

- Terri ONeil, Savannah, GA

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In the 1990s, Schultz Carr Bissette and Atwater was the largest combined CRE and residential appraisal firm in Metro Atlanta. A whip smart, very personable, very hardworking, charming young MAI named Harvey Gilbert joined us for a brief (maybe 2+/- years) stay before he transitioned back to Savannah and a successful development career. I had the pleasure of working with him on several commercial appraisals in the Atlanta area. He was a valuable, productive and enjoyable addition to SCBA, wish we could have kept him around longer. Sincere condolences to his family. Scott Kowalczyk, MAI

- Victor Scott Kowalczyk, Marietta, GA

Harvey grew up one block east of me on 48th street across from Dicky and Marshall Stone, Bill Dye and David Gottlieb. His nickname was Be-Bop given to him by Eric Erickson. We all road the school bus to SCDS each day. Harvey was about 6 or 7 years old. His sister Marnie married my oldest friend, Shelton Sanford, when we played as babies in the park between 46th and Washington Avenue. Harvey was always good natured about his nickname and often came up with stinging retorts to our teasing.

- ned gay, savannah, ga

I am so glad I got to talk to Harvey recently. I was able to thank him for being the amazing mentor and friend that he was to me at Branigar-International Paper.

- Linda Carmichael Howard, Savannah, Georgia

Harvey was good friend for over 50 years. We worked together at Cushman and Wakefield early in or carers. He will be missed.

- Chip Teate, Decatur, Georgia

The last time I saw him he was happy, content, and very proud of his family.

- Bill Ferguson, Hilton Head, SC

Hi Cindy! So sorry for your loss. Sorry I didn't make it to the memorial. Harvey was a remarkable, wise and fun-loving man. It's been six years Gary has been gone, but he completed me. I do know what you're going through. But it gets better. Please know that I'm thinking of you and take care of you. Fondly, Joan Levy

- Joan Levy Levy, Savannah, GA

I am so sorry for your loss. I worked at Branigar with Harvey. He was always kind to everyone.

- Paula Webster, Savannah, Ga

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200


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