Calvin Eugene Gilchrist Sr.

Calvin Eugene Gilchrist Sr., son of the late Richard Gilchrist and Janet Gilchrist, was born on March 6, 1953, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. At an early age, Calvin endured a life changing leg injury. He called out to God and stated that if He would heal him, he would walk for the Lord for the rest of his days; and he upheld that promise. Calvin was a proud graduate of William Penn High School, Class of 1971. Upon graduation, he received his bachelor’s degree from Messiah College and continued his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Calvin loved his community having served two terms on City Council as one of the city’s First African American candidates to win in the 1980’s without a party’s endorsement. One of his proudest moments was naming the Martin Luther King Building. Within his time elected, along with his colleagues, he fought to preserve the community in which he grew up and opened doors for future community leaders. He worked for the state government as well and retired as management for the State Treasury Department. Calvin believed in giving back his time to the youth in the community. From assistant coaching for the Harrisburg Packers, to coaching baseball for his beloved Fraternity Omega Psi Phi, as well as Chaplin for the Harrisburg Cougars Football Team, he played his role in impacting the lives of his community’s future. Calvin was passionate about music as he played drums and percussion instruments that began in his childhood years. As he perfected his craft, he performed in many engagements from gigs with his “Aces,” concerts with his beloved friend, Loni Gamble, to serving God every Sunday service. As a God-fearing man who desired to grow closer to the Lord daily, he was a dedicated servant of God and was one of the founding members of DaySpring Ministries. As a great man of faith, Calvin was confident that he knew exactly where his soul was headed, and on the evening of May 6, 2025, Calvin transitioned to heaven with the Lord reuniting with his parents and his brother, Richard Darryl Gilchrist. Calvin leaves loving memories to his wife, Karren Gilchrist; children, Lisa Gilchrist and Calvin Gilchrist II; sister, Kim Gilchrist Jarrett; brother, Dwayne Gilchrist; five grandchildren, Nadiyah Powell, Calvin Gilchrist III, Joey Powell Jr., Nasir Powell, and Harper Kellam; as well as a host of family and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

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Calvin Eugene Gilchrist Sr.

March 6, 1953 - May 6, 2025