Gilbert J Papay

Dr. Gilbert Joseph Papay, of Sylvania Township, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Virginia Clifford Hospice Center at the age of 95, surrounded by his family.

Known as "Doc," "Gib," "Gibby," or "Pap" to his friends, Gilbert was born on June 11, 1930, to William and Mary Papay in Elyria, Ohio. In 1951, Gilbert married Barbara McDivitt. They were married for 62 years until Barbara’s passing in 2013.

Gilbert attended The Ohio State University and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine, after which served his country in the United States Air Force. In 1959, he established Countryside Animal Hospital, converting and expanding a chicken coop on the property. He remodeled and expanded the facility again in the 1970s, and it continues to operate today as Countryside Animal Clinic.

Being a veterinarian was Gilbert's true calling. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in nature. His favorite place was the log cabin he built himself (and with the help of a few friends) in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania. He and Barbara loved spending time there and Gilbert enjoyed hosting annual hunting trips for friends to hunt turkey and deer.

His grandchildren also have many happy memories of the cabin, where they spent their time swimming in the creek, horseback riding, riding four-wheelers, and camping in an authentic Indian tipi.

Gilbert and Barbara also enjoyed cruises, with their favorite being an Alaskan cruise, a vacation in Hawaii, and several trips to Las Vegas, where they saw "The Rat Pack" and Elvis perform.

Gilbert was a man of many interests. He earned his private pilot's license and owned an amphibious airplane.
Gilbert also had an artistic side. He enjoyed painting, woodcarving, leatherworking, taxidermy, and playing the banjo.

Archery was a lifelong hobby; as a member of the Ottawa Lake Sportsman's Club since the 1970's he participated in the archery league and made his own longbows, which were works of art.

Gilbert was also a member of Fort Meigs Sertoma for more than 50 years, helping to put on an annual wild game dinner for charity.

Gilbert is survived by his daughters, Peggy Papay (Michael Moore), Pamela Szmania (Joseph), and Pattie Keys. He was the proud "Papa" to his grandchildren Philip Keys Jr., Frank Szmania, Darby Szmania (Erin Thomas), Grace Szmania, and great granddaughter Ava. Also surviving is his sister Maryann Stillwell

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary, his brothers Bill, Frank and Ernie, and his wife Barbara.

Visitation will be held at Reeb Funeral Home on June 5th, from 3 to 7.  Funeral services will be held at Sylvania First United Methodist Church on June 6th at 11:00 Am, this service will be lived streamed. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or Sylvania First United Methodist Church

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