Seth Wilbert

Seth Wilbert Boonville- Seth Wilbert, 56 of Boonville NY, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday June 19th, 2014, as the result of a tragic accident while he was vacationing with his family. Seth was born March 2, 1958 in Constableville, to Howard and Priscilla (Bronson) Wilbert of West Leyden NY. Affectionately known as "Toad," he grew up in the hamlet of West Leyden, where he attended elementary school, graduating from Adirondack Central high School, Boonville, with the Class of 1976. While in high school, Seth attended the Howard G. Sackett BOCES Center at Glenfield, where he majored in Auto Body and Auto Mechanics. During high school, Seth participated on the ACS Wildcat Varsity Football Team. He completed his Associates degree studies, with high honors, at SUNY Morrisville, majoring in automotive mechanics. On August 29, 1981, Seth was united in marriage to the love of his life, Eileen (Gillette) Wilbert, at St. Joseph's Church, Boonville. After that the couple resided in Boonville, moving to their present home, that was constructed in 2006, by Seth and one of his closest friends, Ronnie Kirk of Boonville. Mr. Wilbert began his career as an auto mechanic at Parkay Motors in Fulton; later he was employed in the same capacity at Jay Chevrolet in Boonville. In 1980, he proceeded to Kraft Foods Lowville, as a machine mechanic, advancing to the position of Kraft Foods Plant Facility Manager. In 2007 Seth joined Washington Group Company which later became URS Corp. where he was employed as Facility Manager at Kraft Foods, Lowville, a career spanning 34 years. As a youth, he was an Altar Server at St. Mary's Church, West Leyden. He was a member of St. Joseph's Church, Boonville. It can be truly said that "Seth loved and served his fellow man," a gift of service that he freely gave for all, was his 30 year membership in the Boonville Fire Company, where he was an ambulance EMT, driver, fireman and a current long time member of the fire department Board of Directors. He was a current member of the Town of Boonville Planning Board, a board member and trail groomer of the Southern Tug Hill Snowmobile Club. For many years he and his close friend, Joe Galligan together coached girls youth soft ball teams. He was also on the "board of directors" of the Banuchi Racing Team. He was an avid NASCAR fan. Seth enjoyed spending time at their family camp, playing pitch with the "Terrible Ten", snowmobiling and gardening with his wife. Seth loved the outdoors; he will be fondly remembered for his participation in the operation of Wilbert Christmas Tree Farm and sales. Many families from throughout the North Country enjoyed their happy December "traditional trip to Seth's" where they selected their Tug Hill grown Christmas tree. Seth's family was the love and center of his life; he is survived by the love of his life and wife of 33 years, Eileen (Gillette) Wilbert and their children Kayla (Wilbert) Lastowski and husband Benjamin Lastowski (Boonville, NY), Casey Wilbert (Johnson City, TN), and Kendell Wilbert (Albany, NY). Seth is also survived by two grandchildren, Adaline and Audie Lastowski. Loved ones who will miss him are his beloved mother Priscilla Wilbert of Boonville NY, sister Rebecca Proia (Carmen) of Rome, NY; brother Terry (Kae) Wilbert of Albion, NY; sister Renee (Rick) Khalar of Austin, TX; brother Bradley (Paula) Wilbert of Williamstown, NY; James "Ace" Wenner, whom Seth considered to be "his brother," and (Jackie) Wenner of West Leyden. Also surviving is his mother-in-law, Joyce (Longway) Gillette, Boonville, brother-in-law, Shawn Gillette, Rome, sister-in-law, Faith (Gillette)(Matthew) Durden, Williamsville, NY, and several nieces and nephews whom share fond memories of their uncle whom he loved dearly. Seth was predeceased by his father Howard Wilbert on October 14th, 2000, and by his father-in-law, Erwin Gillette, in 2010. Seth cherished his close friends and welcomed all into his home as if they were his own family. There were many fond memories of the times Seth shared with the "Wilkralligans." All are cordially invited and encouraged by his family to attend Seth's calling hours on Tuesday, June 24, from 6-9 p.m., and on Wednesday, June 25, from 1-4 & 6-9 p.m. at the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. A prayer service will be at 9:00 A.M. on Thursday, June 26, at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc., with his Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Church, Charles St. Boonville, where Rev. Sean Patrick's O'Brien will officiate. Interment will follow in St. Peter's and Paul's Cemetery, Fish Creek, with all cordially invited, by his loving family, to attend his Mass and Interment Services. Memorial contributions may be made to Southern Tug Hill Snow Riders, P.O. Box 387, Constableville, NY 13325.