Gil was born to Gilbert and Helen Backenstoss on 1/3/43 and spent his formative years in New Cumberland,  Pennsylvania. He had one sister, Judy, and together they became the Punch and Judy show, and performed on television and in local venues. Their acrobatics and tumbling were widely known and admired in the area. Gil played sports in high school and even gave up being in the band to play on the football team.

He went to the University of Florida and studied Landscape Architecture.  After graduating he moved to Tallahassee, Florida and worked at the State Road Department.  He held several jobs throughout his career, many dealing with land use and urban planning.

He spent 30 years in Tallahassee and that is saying a lot about a "Florida gator".  Even with all his professional work, he still managed to own and operate a car stereo store for 20 years.

Gil remarried in 1993 and with his wife, Maureen, moved to Mount Dora in 1997.

They enjoyed many trips together after retirement and activities with friends.

Gil was always an avid environmentalist and he enjoyed his garden and home in Mount Dora.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen, daughter Michele Cook (Wayne)  Charles Register, granddaughter, Madison, sister Judy Miller and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held, Monday, August 9, 2021 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6803 Old Hwy 441, Mt Dora, FL 32757 at 9:00 AM.