Benjamin A. Gilmore II, 66, of Rochester, beloved husband of Susan A. Gilmore, passed away on October 31 in Boston surrounded by his wife and daughters. Named after his grandfather, Ben was born November 2, 1947, and raised in Acushnet.
Following graduation from Southeastern Massachusetts University (currently UMass-Dartmouth), he launched a successful career forming his own firm, GAF Engineering. His main love was growing cranberries, which he combined with civil engineering to create a multinational business, Gilmore Cranberry Company, designing cranberry bogs throughout the eastern US and Canada. Ben will be remembered for his advocacy for growers as they interfaced with state and federal regulators. He was a distinguished speaker on the topic, and was known far and wide as an expert on wetland issues.
Throughout his life, Ben always found the time to serve his community. He was a member of the Rochester Conservation Commission in the early days when he worked to save what is now known as the Cervelli Farm from residential development. He also served the town of Rochester on the Board of Health, the Rochester Land Trust, the Open Space Committee, and the Board of Appeals. He helped draft language for the early version of the Massachusetts wetland regulations. He was a former board member and Chairman of the Board of Ocean Spray Cranberries, was currently serving as a Director of the Independent Banking Corp. (Rockland Trust), and was a long time member of the Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Association and the Massachusetts Farm Bureau.
He amassed a collection of antiques, sports and antique cars. Ben lived out other passions by becoming a private pilot, and later in life took up golfing and sailing with his daughters and son-in-laws. Like all things he did, Ben was a master in the kitchen, creating the most delicious meals requested by his daughters, and serving up Sunday breakfast for his grandchildren. His humble kindness and generosity was bestowed on family and friends, and he especially enjoyed hosting holidays and parties where he could be surrounded by those he loved. Ben’s love of cranberry farming was superseded only by that of his family, and he will continue to live on with the incredible legacy that he left.
In addition to his wife, Susan of 41 years, he leaves his daughters Alison Gilmore Carr of Hanover and Abigail Gilmore Anderson of Rochester, son-in-laws John Carr and Brian Anderson, four grandchildren, and his brother, Kirby Gilmore of Rochester. He was predeceased by his brother, Dean Gilmore, and parents Carolyn and Stephen Gilmore.
A memorial service remembrance will be held on Saturday, November 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Wickenden Chapel, Tabor Academy, Spring St., Marion, MA. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Prostate Cancer Research Fund, c/o Glenn Bubley, Room CLS 449, BIDMC, East Campus, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215; the Rochester Land Trust, PO Box 337, Rochester, MA 02770-0337; or the Cranberry Research Foundation, Inc., One Carver Square Boulevard, PO Box 97, Carver, MA 02330.
Arrangements are by the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham. For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com.