Michael E. Gilbertson, 74, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and formerly of New York passed away at Pennsylvania Hospital on April 16, 2023.  Born in Cortland, New York, he was the son of the late Beverly (Edwards) and Harris John Gilbertson, Jr.

Michael worked for the New York Department of Health until his retirement.  He later founded and ran the Lectionary Company, a non-profit organization providing daily Bible verses and commentary.

Michael was passionately committed to his Christian faith, his queerness, progressive politics and causes, justice, intellectual curiosity and life-long learning. He was a teacher of United Methodist Disciple courses and the Metropolitan Community Churches' Creating a Life that Matters course.  He deeply loved his cat Sunny, his plants and flowers, and his family - especially his granddaughter Zora.

He is survived by his loving children, Susanna Gilbertson (Michael Froehlich) of Philadelphia, PA and Andrew Gilbertson of St. Petersburg, FL; granddaughter, Zora Gilbertson; brother, Daniel Gilbertson (Barbara); sister, Debbie Ure (Steve); nieces and nephews: Matthew Gilbertson, Stefanie Gilbertson, Jeff Randall, Jeannette Randall, and Sara Ure.

He is also leaving behind many friends including his friends at the Fountain View, William Penn House, Mensa, Mornings Out at William Way Center, from his college days at SUNY Albany, and his many church homes including his Arch Street Presbyterian Church family.

Relatives and friends will be invited to a celebration of life at a later date. Contributions in Michael's memory can be made to: Soulforce, www.Soulforce.org

Funeral arrangement entrusted to The Oliver H. Bair Co. (610) 449-8585