Gil was born in Chicago on November 14, 1943 and spent his youth in the city. He began a career as an animator during his teenage years. After serving in the United States Army, Gil continued a successful career as an artist. Gil was an award-winning watercolorist and illustrator who worked for the Chicago Tribune, Hanna-Barbera, and Disney among others during his long career. While working as a layout artist on The Great Mouse Detective in Burbank, California, Gil met and married his wife of 35 years, Sue. He moved to Santa Barbara in 2000, where he continued working as both a painter of watercolors and an illustrator until his retirement in 2005. During his retirement he continued his creative pursuits, spending his time with his family and working on his art. Gil will be remembered by those who knew and loved him for his creativity, his kindness, and his thoughtful and philosophical nature.  Gilbert Ernest DiCicco passed away on December 9, 2019, in Santa Barbara at age 76.