Obituary of Gilbert Lawrence Pike

Gilbert Lawrence “Larry” Pike, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2017 at his home in Satellite Beach.  Larry was born in Rockaway Beach, New York, on June 10, 1921 to Irma Lynton and Helen Frances (Donat) Pike.  He was a 1940 graduate of Mepham High School in Bellmore, New York, where he lettered in track and met his future wife, Winifred Gawley.  After high school, Larry began his 36 year career with Grumman Corporation in Bethpage, New York.  During World War II, he enlisted in the Navy where he served as an Aviation Metalsmith from 1942-1945. Larry and his family moved to Satellite Beach in 1966.  He worked as a methods engineer at KSC during the Apollo program.  After completing his career with Grumman, he then worked for Documation in Palm Bay for several years before finally retiring.  Genealogy was one of Larry’s favorite hobbies, whereby he was able to trace his family history back to the 1600s.  He also enjoyed cooking, listening to big band music and singing.  He was an exceptionally talented handyman who could build and fix anything and was always happy to help others.  Larry was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Winifred; daughters, Maureen (Joseph) Greto; Jeanne Crawford; Nancy (Wallace) Wildenradt and son, Lawrence (Kathy) Pike. Also, 9 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter survive him.  The Pike family wishes to express their gratitude to Assisting Hands Home Care and VITAS Hospice for their compassionate caregiving. Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 28 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida at 11:30 am.