John Gilpin, 51, died on Dec. 12, 2016.
John was born in Neptune, N.J., and grew up in Lincroft, N.J., where he was trained as a farrier, and later worked as a machine operator for an excavation company.
John moved to Martha’s Vineyard In 1987, and continued a career as an operator at DECA Excavation, a job he was very proud of, which allowed him to leave a lasting mark all across the Island. With his passing, John leaves a hole in the hearts of his innumerable friends and loved ones larger than any that even he would be able to dig.
John is survived by his mother Kitty Applegate, soulmate Annette Bowes and her daughter Eliza, his sons Sean and Wesley Gilpin, and his faithful dog Dozer. Donations may be made in his name to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1829, Edgartown, MA 02539, as well as to Vineyard House, P.O. Box 4599, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.
