Gilbert was the second child born to Russell and Hazel Harrington. He was born on February 19, 1922 in Flint, Michigan.

Gilbert's father died when he was only 7 years old. His mother remarried to Roy Ruddock when Gilbert was 15 years old. After completing high school, he joined the United State military - Air Corps. In 1943 he was posted at the army air base in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Gilbert married Helen Ruth Neil and had two daughters - Sally and Susan.

He was 83 when he died on October 8, 2005. Helen died 6 years later on August 15, 2011.