Gilbert Neil Rifkin

January 14, 1934 - February 12, 2022

Gilbert Neil Rifkin, 88, shed his physical body and flew to God on February 12, 2022. He was surrounded by his loving family, while holding hands with the love of his life Phyllis, his wife of 67 joy-filled years. Gilbert, a devoted family man, always put his family above all else. He is survived by his soulmate and wife, Phyllis, daughters Robin, Karen and Sharon, sons-in-law Steve and Jeff, grandsons Dylan and Jonathan, granddaughter-in-law Sarel and great-granddaughters Juliet and Alessia. He was preceded in death by his son Barry. Gil, a retired Air Force veteran, served his country as a top Intelligence and Security Airman. Following his time in the military, he went on to a long and successful career as a financial advisor until his retirement in 2005. He was respected by his clients due to his endless integrity, honesty, intelligence and compassion. Gil and his wife relocated to Florida in 1982 as he could no longer stand the “dark, gray, cold, gloomy winter days” in New Jersey - and in Florida, enjoyed the sunny days, eating “half a muffin” out on the patio in the morning sunshine while reading the newspaper. An avid sports fan, Gil loved to watch all sports, but his favorite by far, was baseball taking his kids to games at Yankee an Shea Stadium. His knowledge of obscure facts and stats was an area of pride and enjoyment. Gil’s favorite hobbies and activities included driving his Corvette, reading espionage novels, and planning vacations and cruises for his family and surprising them with unexpected trips. A strong passion and belief in alternative medicine led him to work tirelessly to improve the health and vitality and alleviate any illness of his family and friends. Gil passed on his nutritional expertise to his children and countless number of others. His legacy of hard work and selfless devotion to health and happiness lives on in others. He was a generous supporter of many charities including Wounded Warriors, Tunnel2Tunnel, Shriners and most import to his heart, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Gil, an amazing man, always expressing his gratitude to God for his countless blessings, leaves a legacy to be proud of and a family who is proud of him. He will be missed dearly.