Gilbert Hill, 58; SEPTA bus driver, lover of soul food

One of Gilbert Hill's favorite pastimes was eating, and his tastes ran mostly to soul food - pigs feet, chitlins and the like.

"Down-home, slow-cooking, good old soul food," as he once described it. At barbecues and parties, this happy, gregarious man was right at home.

He could be found taking his leisure with his Marlboros at hand at the 22nd Street Cafe and the Lincoln Post, South Philly hangouts. That is, whenever he wasn't traveling to Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, visiting the Caribbean islands or sailing on cruises.

Gilbert, a SEPTA bus driver for more than 30 years and devoted family man, died Friday.

He was 58 and was born and raised in the Point Breeze neighborhood of South Philadelphia. His parents were Roy and Theresa Hill.

"Gilbert had no problem stating his opinion and at times, he could be quite stubborn," his family said in an obituary.

"Even though Gilbert was a people person, he did not shy away from speaking his mind. His manner was soft but his convictions were determined and steadfast."

However, his family noted that he was a good friend. "If you needed him, day or night, he was just a cell phone call away."

Gilbert met and married his first love, Priscilla, in the late '60s. He later married Cathy Drew in the early '70s. In 2002, he married Nicole Rene Ruffin.

He also is survived by a son, Terrance; a stepson, Gordon Hill, and two grandchildren. He was predeceased by a daughter, Kimyatta; a sister, Faye Constance Hill; and two brothers, Roy Carl and Leon Isaac Hill.

Services: 10 a.m. tomorrow at St. Barnabas Church, 18th and Wharton streets.

Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester. *