Chad Everett Gilbert, age 45, peacefully passed away on September 20, 2026.
Chad was born in Plantation, Florida, to Marvin Frank Gilbert and Jacqulyn Mallonee on March 9, 1981. He grew up immersed in the South Florida hardcore and punk music scene and began his professional music career as the lead vocalist for the progressive hardcore band Shai Hulud. In 1997, he co-founded New Found Glory, serving as the band’s lead guitarist and a principal songwriter. Through his work with New Found Glory, Chad helped shape the sound of pop-punk and connected with generations of fans through his music.
Chad was also a songwriter and record producer. He produced records for artists including H2O, A Day to Remember and Lisa Loeb. He also released solo material under the name What’s Eating Gilbert.
Chad was a devout Christian and strived to live his faith every day and share it whenever possible.
Chad is preceded in death by his father, Marvin Frank Gilbert; his stepfather, Steven Eugene Mallonee; and his Nanaw, Margaret Turner Adams.
Chad is survived by his beloved wife, Lisa Cimorelli Gilbert, whom he married on October 3, 2020; his daughter, Lily Gilbert; his mother, Jacqulyn Mallonee; his brother, Brian Gilbert and his wife, Kyla; Marty Gilbert and his wife, Debbie; and Dale Gilbert; his nephews, Brett Gilbert, Brendan Gilbert, Avery Gilbert and Canaan Gilbert; and his stepbrothers, Chad Mallonee and Blake Mallonee.
Of all the roles Chad held in his life, his most cherished was being a girl dad to Lily. He shared a uniquely special bond with his daughter and took immense joy in being her father. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, pride, and the countless little moments that made being her dad so meaningful to him. Lily was a tremendous source of happiness in Chad’s life, and the love he had for his daughter will remain a lasting part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Chad will also be lovingly remembered by the many friends, bandmates, collaborators, and fans whose lives he touched through his music and his friendship.
Private funeral services will be held at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home with burial following in Williamson Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki, Dan O’Connor, Stephen Looker, Anthony Amor, Phil Brooks, Justin Ksionzek, and Josh Corbett.
The family of Chad Everett Gilbert wishes to extend its sincerest thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Williamson Medical Center, TriStar Centennial Medical Center, Tristar Skyline Medical Center, Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, and the National Institutes of Health for their care and compassion.
Chad’s music, humor, kindness, and unmistakable spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, fellow musicians, and the countless people who found a piece of themselves in his songs. Above all, he will be remembered by Lily as her dad—the role he cherished most—and by all who knew him as a man who loved his family deeply.
If you feel led, donations in honor of Chad can be made to: www.adrenalcurecollective.org/tribute-to-chad-gilbert
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This obituary was published by Williamson Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
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