Obituary of Thomas J. Gibson

Thomas J. GibsonApril 25, 1919 €“ February 3, 2013Thomas also known as Tom, spent February 2nd celebrating the life of his younger sister, Margaret I. Gibson who passed on January 22nd of this year and even though his memory and his hearing were slowing fading he confidently and proudly walked into the memorial service. His only aids that day were his 93 year-old hard-nosed mentality and a cane, which he mostly used to get the attention of those within reach. After the wonderful celebration of his sister, Tom must have been finally ready to join his birth family, for the next morning he peacefully continued to sleep himself into a new role, a citizen of heaven.On April 25th, 1919 in Newcastle, Canada, Tom officially became the son Alfred L. and Edith R. OBrien Gibson. At the age of 12 in the year 1931, Tom and his family emigrated to the United States and three years later settled in Cortland, NY which became his home base for the rest of his life.Shortly after moving to Cortland, Tom enrolled in and attended Diesel Motor School in California before enrolling in the Army in 1940. Leaving his fiancÃĩ, Ruth Bays, behind, Tom went over to Europe to serve our country during World War II. Tom manned the long-range field artillery known as the Long Toms. He was one of the many who invaded Normandy on D-Day in Southern France, and participated in the many battles including the Battle of the Bulge, Anzio, and Cassini. It wasnt long before he earned his rank of First Sergeant for saving the life of an injured comrade. Tom was awarded the Bronze Star of bravery.In 1945, the war ended and Tom returned to begin his career and start his family. It began that year with his marriage to, Ruth Bays, whom he stayed faithfully married to for the next 67 years. He raised 4 children, Janet (Robert) Michaels, Charlotte (Paul) Fregoe, Frederick Gibson, Connie (James) Moyer, which led to 12 grandchildren and 16 plus great grandchildren. After his return Tom resumed his career at Cortland Racket Company, which later, in 1961, became Wilson Sporting Goods. Tom was a faithful worker and his creative handiwork earned him the title of Senior Engineer as he designed many tennis rackets and as a representative of Wilson Sporting Goods helped open up factories and train employees in Ireland, Scotland, England, Haiti, St. Vincents, Taiwan, and all over the US. Even after retirement, he never stopped designing or creating things as he took up his professional retirement career in woodwork and quilting crafting many pieces for all the family members. Tom was also a dedicated Mason, served time as a vestry at Grace Episcopal Church and belonged to an Investment Club. His activities included bowling, hunting, fishing at his cottage on DeRuyter Lake, and ice skating, making his own hockey rink for all his friends, neighbors, and family to enjoy. His legacy lives on, not just in his handiwork, but through his family.Toms wife continues to happily live at their Cortland residence of 63 years and she welcomes everyone to the celebration of his life at Grace Episcopal Church, at 19 Court St., Cortland, NY. Calling hours will begin at 9:30 am with the celebration of his life beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will be private at the Virgil Rural Cemetery. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimers Association, 441 Kirkpatrick St, Syracuse, NY, 13204-1361 or Grace and Holy Spirit Church, 19 Court Street, Cortland, NY, 13045. Gibson family, We remember Tom from Wilson's & also Fred(1970's). His life was well lived. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Cherish all the wonderful memories. Joe & Bonnie Hutchings--Berkshire,NY My family has had the good fortune to be connected to the Gibson family through my brother's marriage to Tom's daughter, Connie. Tom was cheerful, generous, and great fun. He could fix anything and never hesitated to pitch in and help. Beginning with the wedding reception in Tom's backyard complete with burgers and horseshoes to many happy hours at DeRuyter Lake - often playing quoits on a nicely designed platform made by Tom or dominoes with wooden trays, also designed and made by Tom. We will miss him. His close knit, good-humored, kind family is a legacy worthy of his memory. Ruth Varnell