Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S.
Gilbert was the son of Lillian and Max Gottfried. His father was a Polish Jewish emigrant, from Galicia, who came to the U.S. in 1912. His mother was born in New York, to Russian Jewish parents. His sister was New York Street photographer Arlene Gottfried.
Gilbert was married to Dara Kravitz, until his death, with whom he had two children. Dara is also Jewish.
Gilbert’s paternal grandfather was named Abraham Gottfried.
Gilbert’s paternal grandmother was named Esther Frey.
Gilbert’s maternal grandfather was Charles Zimmerman (the son of Louis Zimmerman and Minnie Vert).
Gilbert’s maternal grandmother was Minnie Worthman (the daughter of Fischel/Fishel “Philip” Worthman and Anya/Amiel Needleman/Nudleman). Minnie was born in Odessa.