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Dr. Richard "Dick" Charles Gilmartin Jr.

October 26, 1932 ~ January 16, 2026

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Celebrating the Life of Dr. Richard Charles Gilmartin, Jr.

We fondly remember and honor Dr. Richard Charles Gilmartin, Jr., affectionately known as “Dick,” who passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Wichita, KS, at the age of 93. Born on October 26, 1932, in Pittsburgh, PA, Dick led a fulfilling life marked by dedication to his faith, family, service and profession.

A devout Roman Catholic, Dick’s unwavering faith was woven into every aspect of his life. He is celebrated for his loving nature, his steadfast devotion to his religion, and his lifelong commitment to service—both as an outstanding physician specializing in Child Neurology and after a 30-year military career honorably retired as a US Army Colonel.

Dick pursued his higher education at St. Vincent College and completed his medical training at the University of Pittsburgh “Pitt” Medical School, launching a distinguished career in medicine that was complemented by his role as a professor and teacher. He deeply cared for his patients and mentored many in the medical community with humility and wisdom.

Beyond his medical and military accomplishments, Dick was a loving husband to Margaret “Peggy” Gilmartin who he affectionally called “doe eyes” when they first met. They shared 68 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they nurtured a large and loving family. Their family includes children, Michael (Sue) Gilmartin of Manhattan, KS, Elizabeth (Steve) Loos, Kathleen Gilmartin both of Wichita, Colin (Kim) Gilmartin of Moore, OK, Brian (Lisa) Gilmartin of Perdido Key, FL, Christopher Gilmartin, and Sean Gilmartin both of Valley Center, KS. The warmth of his presence will also be missed by his 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy into Dick’s life.

Dick’s passion for gardening, sailing, singing and volunteering enriched his life and those around him. His teachings extended beyond his professional work, imparting life’s valuable lessons through everyday actions.

Preceded in death by his parents, Richard C. Gilmartin, Sr. and Marvis (Youkers) Gilmartin, and his brother, Edward Joseph Gilmartin, Dick leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, honor, and familial devotion that will forever be cherished by those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Dick’s remarkable life, memorial contributions can be made to PREF, St. Joseph House of Formation, Diocese of Wichita, an institution close to his heart. Contributions can be mailed to the Diocese of Wichita, 424 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67202.

His life was a beacon of faith, hope, love, loyalty and service, and he will be deeply missed.

DUE TO THE COMING WINTER STORM, THE FUNERAL SERVICES HAVE BEEN RESCHEDULED:

Rosary will be at 10:30 am; Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am, Friday, January 23, 2026, both at Catholic Church of the Magdalen, 12626 E 21st St. N., Wichita, KS. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, January 26, 2026, at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery – Ft. Riley, 5181 Wildcat Creek Rd., Manhattan, KS.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.

Services

Rosary: Friday, January 23, 2026 10:30 am

Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church
12626 E. 21st N.
Wichita, KS 67206


Funeral Mass: Friday, January 23, 2026 11:00 am

Church of the Magdalen Catholic Church
12626 E. 21st N.
Wichita, KS 67206


Graveside Service: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:00 am

Kansas Veterans' Cemetery - Ft. Riley
5181 Wildcat Creek Rd.
Manhattan, KS 66503


Army Veteran

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Richard "Dick" Charles Gilmartin 's name.

PREF, St. Joseph House of Formation c/o Diocese of Wichita

424 N. Broadway

Wichita,

KS

67202

give.catholicdioceseofwichita.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dr. Gilmartin was my Aunt’s neurologist for years. Our family thought highly of him and he took great care of my Aunt.
    My deepest condolences to his family.

  2. What a wonderful soul. He will be truly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family, Dr Margolis’s team

  3. I never personally met Dick. However, the stories and the strong convictions shown through his son Mike, have proven he was a wonderful man. He will be missed.

  4. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
    Wonderful memories especially your dancing together
    Prayers
    Gary and Bernice Adamson

  5. I remember Dr. Gilmartin from my years of being a hospital nurse. His patients were well cared for by him and he was very respectful to the nursing staff. He was a pleasure to work with over the years.

  6. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the Gilmartin family. Dr. Gilmartin is the reason my nephew is alive today. And later I got to meet Kathy, Rachel and work one on one with Mattthew. Such a loving family Never hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can help with

  7. Gilmartin family, your Carola/Mazur family in San Antonio is sending love and prayers. May God’s light, peace, and love be yours!

  8. Family, I have no words to say. How could it be possible to describe Uncle Dick and the impact he has had on my life. I’ll never forget what he said when waiting to walk me down the aisle at my wedding. He said that if things went bad, I could return to him and Aunt Peggy since they were both ‘giving me away’. I can’t possibly find the right words. You were all the things spoken and written about you. I will miss you until the day we meet again.
    Love,
    Lynne Rokavec, known in some hearts as YNL.

  9. Sean,
    I’m sorry for the loss of your Dad. You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Sincere condolences,
    Mike Kraft

  10. My heart breaks to hear this news. Dr. Gilmartin was one of my doctors as a child. He was an amazing physician. Praying for comfort for his family during this difficult time 🙏

  11. I knew Peg and Dick from our college years in Pittsburgh, PA. It seemed like they were always meant to be a couple. May Dick rest in peace and may good memories comfort you and our family.
    Doris Schmidt Walsh


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