Gilbert N. Amdur (Gil), 81, of Granby, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 23, 2026. He was born on November 4, 1944, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of the late Sol and Gertrude (Rice) Amdur.

A proud Vietnam veteran, Gil served his country as a Commanding Officer in the U.S. Navy for over two decades and served in active duty in the Vietnam War. He also enjoyed a successful career as a commercial transportation and logistics executive, earning the respect of colleagues through his leadership, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

Gil was a storyteller like no other. Drawing on a lifetime of fascinating experiences, he told stories that were hilarious, sometimes shockingly irreverent, and rarely brief. One story inevitably led to another. He told it like it was, with a candor and charm that allowed him to get away with saying things few others could.

Beneath that unfiltered humor was a tender heart and a great listener. Gil loved a good romantic comedy or Hallmark movie, and people often found themselves telling him their entire life stories. He listened with genuine interest and without judgment, putting people at ease to be themselves. Those who knew him understood that his honesty came with an equally steadfast capacity for love and acceptance.

An avid reader, Gil had an impressive collection of Kindles and was rarely without something to read. He enjoyed a good cigar and, for as long as his family can remember, a manicure every two weeks with one of his dearest friends. He liked to joke that his manicurist was the longest relationship he had ever had with a woman.

Above all else, Gil loved his family. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel important and remembered. Whether through a phone call, a witty card, a thoughtful conversation, or a generous gift, he made sure those he loved knew he was thinking of them. Birthdays, anniversaries, and important occasions never went unnoticed. These gestures, both large and small, were among the many ways he expressed his love and generosity.

Later in life, Gil found love with his longtime partner, Carol, with whom he shared more than 25 wonderful years of companionship. Their life together brought him great joy, more fodder for his stories, and a family he held close to his heart.

For his son, Gregory, he was a father, a confidant, and an unwavering ally. The person with whom he could share absolutely anything and know he would be loved and supported. Whatever life brought, his dad was in his corner.

Gil leaves behind his son, Gregory Amdur and his wife, Alees, and her daughter Isla; his grandson, Gabriel Amdur; his longtime partner, Carol Pineo, and her children, Kathryn Pineo, Daniel Pineo and his wife, Gretchen, and their son, Sebastian, and Rebecca Pineo; and his sister, Sandy Lucas.

Gil will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will forever cherish his stories, his humor, his generous heart, and the freedom they felt to be themselves in his company.

A remembrance with military honors will be held in Gil’s honor on Saturday October 31st, 2026. O’Brien Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services of South Hadley has been entrusted with the arrangements.