John E. Gilstorf

Biddeford

John E. Gilstorf, 66, of Biddeford, passed away suddenly after a short illness on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at Maine Medical Center in Portland.

John was born in Biddeford on November 8, 1955, a son of Edward and Cecile (Parenteau) Gilstorf. He graduated from Biddeford High School.

Earlier, John was employed by the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for a short time. He then used his creative talents and was a self employed painter for many years.

John married his wife Angelique (Angel) Duhaime in 2002. They shared each other's love for more than 20 years. He will be sadly missed.

John had many interesting hobbies. He had a creative side, excelling in photography and he also had a unique ability to write songs and play guitar. He had a passion for the game of chess and thoroughly enjoyed matching wits with friends.  He had a great love of animals, especially dogs. He was well known as "The Dog Whisper" for his talents of interacting with and training his dogs.

John was attracted to the fresh air, nature and places of beauty. He liked the lakes, mountains and taking back road trips.  Once, he and his wife took a trip from Maine to Canada using only back roads.

He was predeceased by his parents and his niece Kim Barnicle.

He is survived by four stepdaughters Rebbecca, Ashley, Candice and Elsie and step grandchildren Talynn and Dahlia. He is also survived by siblings Dorothy Nolette, Barbara Esty and nieces Jennifer Donnelly and Valerie Nolette.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to a local animal shelter or to the Lynch Syndrome cancer fund.

Visiting Hours will be from 4-7PM Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at Cote Funeral Home Chapel, Saco. Burial will be at a later date. To view John's memorial page or leave an online condolence, please visit www.cotefuneralhome.com