Meet the Member – Linda and Sam Gilbert (and Teddi, too!)

During her teaching career, Linda not only taught, but she was also a mentor for first-year teachers, a cooperating instructor for student teachers, and upon retirement she served as a supervisor of students for Penn State University. Through his years at Harrisburg, Sam was the department chairman for business education, wrestling coach, athletic game and business manager, drug and alcohol counselor, Harrisburg Education Association treasurer and president, and a mentor for first-year teachers.

Linda is the daughter of Fred and Ruth Fledderjohn and sister of Ed Fledderjohn. Subsequently, she was born into her membership at CPUCC. Sam joined shortly after their marriage. Linda and Sam fondly remember chaperoning local youth dances in the activity room of the activity room on weekends.

They remained members until 1973 when they moved to Middle Paxton Township. At that time, they joined the Hope Presbyterian Church where they both served as elders. Linda started the first bible school class, and Sam taught the adult Sunday school class and served as church treasurer for a brief time.

During the years in Middle Paxton, Linda and Sam volunteered for many church functions and delivered Meals on Wheels. They also volunteered for the local food pantry: Feed My Sheep. Sam was a volunteer firefighter and captain of the Dauphin/Middle Paxton Fire Company, an EMT, and chief of the Dauphin/Middle Paxton Community Ambulance Association, and the Emergency Management Coordinator for Dauphin and Middle Paxton Township. Sam was a past president of the Lions Club, driver for the township transportation service, and a director for the Dauphin Recreation Association’s Community Pool.

The Gilberts returned to Colonial Park in 2008 and rejoined CPUCC. The friendly and loving atmosphere of CPUCC along with the music and the opening and affirming commitment told them that they made the right decision. Shortly after returning to CPUCC, Linda and Sam volunteered at the Devonshire Fair. Linda worked at the Man’s Den and Sam helped at the outside garage. Linda continues to volunteer at the Thrift Shop.

They recently retired from delivering Meals on Wheels but continue to count church collections on a quarterly basis. Linda also serves as the wedding and funeral lunch coordinator. She also helps to resupply our Blessing Box on a weekly basis.

Linda and Sam are the proud parents of two sons – Matthew and Todd. Matt lives in Hershey with his wife, Jill. They have two children named Eric and Jessica. Todd lives nearby in Susquehanna Township with his wife, Jennifer. Their children are Tyler, Elizabeth, and Jacob. All five of the Gilbert grandchildren have graduated from college and are gainfully employed. Linda and Sam cherish the many happy times the family spends together.

The couple lives just across the street from CPUCC at the Amesbury Condo Association with their beloved dog Teddi, a chocolate labradoodle. You may often see Linda and Teddi walking around the neighborhood.

Since moving to Amesbury, Linda has become very active with “Stampin Up” card making. She makes greeting cards for all occasions and has an instructional class for friends once a month. There are all-occasion greeting cards available for purchase in the church office. Linda provides these cards at no cost, and all proceeds go directly to the church. Sam is currently serving as the president of the HOA at Amesbury.

As you can see, the Gilberts are not ones who sit back and watch the world go by. Their involvement and generosity are special and we are all better because of it. Thank you, Linda and Sam.

August 2026

Meet other members of Colonial Park United Church of Christ by clicking HERE.