NEW PALTZ, N.Y.–J. Gilbert Plantinga died peacefully at home in New Paltz, New York after a long battle with esophageal cancer. He was 73.

Born in New York City to John Everett and Virginia Colleen Ball Plantinga, Gilbert, who in his youth went by his given name John, grew up in Westport where his lifelong love of music began. By age 13, he was teaching himself guitar, a passion that would shape the rest of his life. In the summer 1969, while still in high school, he hitchhiked to Woodstock, where, according to family lore, he spent the night before the festival camping out with Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters.

After graduating summa cum laude from the University of Bridgeport in 1976 with a B.A. in music, he later pursued a master’s degree (ABD) at NYU. 

As a jazz guitarist, composer, and teacher, Gilbert shared his gifts generously. He taught both privately and at NYU, influencing countless students, one of whom went on to win multiple Grammy awards. His deep musicality made him not just a wonderful teacher but a mentor and friend to many.

In midlife, Gilbert turned his creative energy toward photography and fine-art printing. For two years he studied independently with Ben Lifson, photography critic for The Village Voice. Through his New Paltz business, Uptown Light Photo Graphics, Gilbert became a trusted collaborator to photographers across the Hudson Valley and beyond. His own work appeared in numerous exhibitions, including ones at the Dorsky Museum, Silvermine Art Guild, and the Center for Photography at Woodstock.

A member of Mensa, Gilbert was as brilliant and curious as he was stubborn and prickly. Although he wrestled with addiction for much of his life, in his later years he found strength and purpose through service — both as a deacon at the Old Dutch Church in Kingston, NY, and through helping others find their way to sobriety.

Gilbert is survived by his children, Kate Plantinga Mulzet (Joe) and Ben Plantinga; ex-wife and best friend MaryJo Martin; sister Prill Boyle (Michael); and nephews Gabriel Bach and Everett Boyle. He was predeceased by his former wife Slade Ingram Plantinga and both of his parents.

A celebration of Gilbert’s life will be held at 11 am on November 22, 2025, at the Reformed Church of New Paltz.