Arlington, VT - Joel Whitney Tibbetts, 81, a resident of Bentley Lane, passed away March 1, 2018 at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his family.

Joel was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 16, 1936 the son of the late Norris Lowell Tibbetts, Sr. and Mary Powell. Joel received his early education in New York, earned his undergraduate degree at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania and earned his Doctorate at Vanderbilt Divinity School.

Joel is the very definition of Renaissance man. His work, passions and interests extended from the Mid-West, across the country and up through New England. He will be sorely missed not only by his family, but by his former students, co-workers, church communities, volunteer and local communities. Joel was an ordained minister and throughout his life served the communities of various churches and institutions in Illinois and Vermont.

As an educator, he was beloved by students all over the country. Joel retired from his position as a Professor of Religion and English at Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois and, shortly thereafter, when his wife Karen retired from her position as Library Director from the same college, they moved together to Arlington, Vermont and found their dream home just a couple miles down the road from the Tibbetts family summer home, where they had spent many wonderful summers.

Joel was a member of the Federated Church in East Arlington, where he sang in the choir, served on the Church Council, the Mission Board and various other committees. Joel is renowned for a Bible Study that he led at the Church for ten years. The Bible Study members were devoted. He continued his Ministry as guest preacher at several area churches. He was very active with Hospice as Hospice Chaplain and sang with the Serenity Singers. Joel was also on the Board of the Dorothy Canfield Fisher Library. He especially enjoyed playing guitar and singing, keeping family tradition alive. He also enjoyed counted cross stitch, loved trains and his Westies, Holly, Fiona and MacKenzie.

Joel is survived by his wife Karen H. Tibbetts of Arlington, VT, daughters Lucy Gravatt of Marion, IL and Liza Lara of Reston, VA, grandchildren Jake, Josh, Leo and Lucianna, sisters Louise Smith of Bethesda, MD and Eleanor Hanrahan of Arlington, VT, brother Norris Tibbetts, Jr. of Madison, Wisconsin and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services for Joel will be announced at a later date. There are no visiting hours.

If friends desire, memorial gifts in Joel's memory may be made to VNA Hospice, c/o Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home Arlington Chapel P.O. Box 528 Arlington, VT 05250.

To send the family personal condolences please visit www.sheafuneralhomes.com

The family has entrusted arrangements to the care of Hanson-Walbridge & Shea Funeral Home

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Published by Bennington Banner on Mar. 9, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Tibbetts

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9 Entries

Susan Neuffer

October 7, 2018

My condolences on Joel's passing. I remember him as Chaplain at Hamilton College. A truly loving and sincere, welcoming presence.

August 21, 2018

I am so very sorry to hear about Joel's passing. I knew him many years ago when I was a student at Carleton College and he was a chaplain there. This was way back in the mid-1960s. I have never forgotten his intelligence, kindness, and overwhelming concern for others. May he rest in peace.
Sue Stromberg Williams
Richmond, VA

Barbara Nixon

April 6, 2018

I am so very sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed knowing Joel. I was one of his students at Hamilton and Kirkland. He welcomed our class to his home and we had lively conversations. I also enjoyed ministry, service fellowship and study with him through the Hamilton and Kirkland College Chapel and fellowship.

Lindy Fisher Dimeo

April 5, 2018

I am very sorry to hear about Joel. He was a close friend and professor way back at Hamilton/Kirkland College when I was a student there, and he really helped me through some rough times.

Janet Hansen

April 5, 2018

My condolences to the family from a former RC student. I only knew Dr. Tibbetts for 2 years but that was long enough to know he was an amazing and special person.

Tom Heiser

March 14, 2018

To the entire Tibbetts family my deepest condolences. I hope that you can find solace and be assured that Joel's memory will truly live on in all of the lives of those he taught. I can guarantee you I am one of those that was lucky enough to take Dr. Tibbetts' class in comparative religions at Rockford College and those memories continue to live in me daily. Dr. Tibbetts made a huge impact in my life and I mention him often. As a funny note growing up catholic we didn't mark in a bible very often, Joel encouraged me to mark vigorously in his class and I am a better man for it. I am truly saddened to hear of his passing but his influence lives on until I see him again in the after life

March 9, 2018

Sending my love to all family members. What a loss to the world to have Joel suddenly gone. He was a bright, bright spot.

Peter & Christine Lotto

March 9, 2018

Our deepest condolences on Joel's passing. He was a dear friend and mentor and performed our marriage service. He will be missed. Peter and Christine Lotto

A Williams

March 9, 2018

My deepest sympathy to family and friends. Losing a loved one is hard to endure. I hope that Jeremiah 31:13 will provide comfort and encouragement for the days ahead. My prayers are with you.

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