Gilbert Franklyn Ashley, 73, died Saturday, September 9

    Gilbert Franklyn Ashley, beloved husband, father and brother, departed this life for his home in heaven on September 9, 2023, his 73rd birthday.
    He bravely faced serious health challenges in his later years, yet deeply cherished his life, no matter his difficulties.
    Born in Waterbury, CT, he was the son of the late Franklyn and Lucille (Guilbert) Ashley.
    He graduated from the former Staunton Military Academy in 1968, from Dickinson College in 1972 and from Villanova Law School in 1975.  At Staunton, he was on the rifle team.  As a law student, he was a Case and Comment Editor for the Villanova Law Review.

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    He practiced law at firms in Philadelphia and South Jersey before becoming in-house counsel at the former Manufacturers Hanover Consumer Financial Services in Huntingdon Valley, PA.  He specialized in real estate and mortgage lending law for much of his career.
    At Manufacturers Hanover, he met his future wife, Susan.  He and Susan shared over 35 years of marriage and two much-loved sons, David Ashley and Daniel Ashley.  Having children was a dream come true for Gil.
    He attended Wesley Church in Quarryville after he and his wife retired to Solanco.  Previously, he was a member of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church of Valley Forge, where he served a number of terms as President of the Board of Trustees.  His faith in Christ as his Savior was firm.
    Gil was an avid reader, chess player, woodworker, bicycle rider, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Phillies fan and an occasional chili cook-off contestant. He loved travelling with his family throughout the U.S.  In their later years, he and his wife spent many happy times in the wilds of Potter County, PA.
    In addition to his wife and sons, he is survived by his mother-in-law Dorothy King of Quarryville, with whom he resided, his brother John Ashley (Cheryl) of Portsmouth, RI, his sister-in-law Joann Grosso (Joe) of Port Orange, FL, his brother-in-law Scott King (Leslie) of Royersford, PA, his sister-in-law Beverly Piccione (John) of Royersford, many special nieces and nephews and numerous feline friends.
    A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 22 at Wesley Church, 1104 Kirkwood Pike, Quarryville, Pastor Blake Deibler officiating.  A time to visit with the family will take place beginning at 10 am at the church.