Topsham, Maine - David M. Gilbert died August 19, 2026. He was born in Sangerville, ME on August 5, 1948.

He graduated as valedictorian from Piscataquis Community High School in 1966 and received a B.A. in History from Colby College in 1970. He pursued further study in German at Middlebury College and traveled to Germany. After returning to Maine he taught high school at Higgins Classical Institute and Lewiston High School and middle school at Woolwich Central School. He went on for a Master of Science degree at the University of Southern Maine and in 1997 was awarded a Ph.D. in communication and rhetoric from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He was an associate professor of humanities and communications at Maine Maritime Academy until his retirement.

He was a strong proponent of the Slow Food Movement and was invited to attend their international conference in Turin, Italy, in 2004. He frequently contributed expert reviews for Booklist, evaluating non-fiction texts focusing on linguistics, humanities, and communication - such as his extensively cited analytical review of The Language of Food. He was an avid cyclist and cycled across the U.S. and Ireland. He loved to travel and visited much of Europe, making many trips with his much-loved aunt and stepson. At home he enjoyed feeding the birds who came to his many birdfeeders and gardening, growing beautiful flowers that he shared with many.

He was devoted to his life partner, Kim Eder, and their beloved teacup terrier, Kaly, both of whom predeceased him. He is survived by his brother, Dennis Gilbert and wife, Stephanie; his sister, Jane Gilbert; his stepson, Eli Eder and his husband, Jim Lydon; and his extended family, Don and Barbara Russell and their children.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick, followed by a brief interment ceremony at Rogers Cemetery in Topsham. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in honor of David to Mid Coast Humane, 5 Industrial Parkway, Brunswick, ME 04011. Memories and condolences can be shared at brackettfh.com.