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BORN
1938
DIED
2014
FUNERAL HOME
Gerald Jibilian Obituary
Mr. Jibilian of Chester, N.J., who was known to friends and family as Gerry, had been in poor health for the last four months because of heart disease, said Jary Sue Jibilian, his wife of 48 years.
A graduate of the University of Michigan law school, he began his career in law as an attorney in Toledo's urban renewal agency in 1963. He became municipal court prosecutor the following year
Mr. Jibilian, who also was an associate with the law firm of Colburn, Smith, Rohrbacher, and Gibson, eventually became chief prosecutor for the city.
His wife said he described his years in the city law department as the most exciting days of his life.
"Gerry adored being a prosecutor," she said.
Mr. Jibilian left the city in 1969 when he was appointed counsel and assistant secretary of the board of directors of Ogden Foods Inc., which ran restaurants, vending, and concession operations throughout the country.
He was quickly promoted to vice president of the Toledo subsidiary of Ogden Corp., which was in New York.
He was born on March 30, 1938, to Rochelle and Gary Jibilian. He graduated in 1956 from Maumee High School, where he played football, baseball, and golf.
Mr. Jibilian received a history degree from Duke University in 1960 and continued his education in law school at the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1963.
He married the former Jary Sue Ridout on Dec. 26, 1965. They had met while they were attending UM.
After leaving Ogden and Toledo in 1971, he held executive and general counsel positions with Schrafft's, a candy store chain based in Massachusetts, American Home Products Inc., and Wyeth Corp. He retired in 2002.
Mrs. Jibilian said she and husband traveled extensively after he retired.
They had lived in Chester for the last 20 years.
Surviving are his wife, Jary Sue; son, John F. Jibilian; sister Janice Whiteman, and three grandchildren.
Services will be private.
The William J. Leber Funeral Home, Chester, is handling arrangements.
Contact Blade Staff Writer Mark Reiter at: [email protected] or 419-724-6199.
Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Jibilian
13 Entries
George C. McKinnis
October 6, 2025
Gerry was my best friend in Michigan Law School and stayed as an important part of my life and activities in NY. He passed too soon. Now that I have reached my final years, I think of him often with affection, respect and a sense of loss. George C. McKinnis
George C. McKinnis
October 6, 2021
On the anniversary of Gerry´s passing, I remember a close friend, a classmate at Michigan Law School a d a fellow member of the NYC University Club. He was a WONDERFUL friend with a bubbling over sense of humor and a way of attracting fun.
George C. McKinnis
August 17, 2015
Jary Sue,
I just found out about Jerry's death.
He was a great friend on all those drives from Durham to Toledo & back and especially during the "loco Gringos" tour of Europe in 1958.
He was an inspiration to me as a "Renaissance Man".
Rob Buchholz 8/17/2015
George McKinnis
November 10, 2014
I am very sorry that Gerry, one of my best friends for over 40 years, beginning at Michigan Law School, is no longer with us. He has lived more in the years that he was with us than most of us could live in 100 years. He will always be with me as a valued and important part of my experience and history. George C. McKinnis
William Kelly
October 19, 2014
WE HAVE LOST A BELOVED MENTOR AND FRIEND. Bill&Nancy
M Rutledge
October 15, 2014
Mrs. Jibilian - You might not remember me, but I was one of your students long ago. I wish to extend my deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
Garabed & Millicent Apardian
October 14, 2014
Dear Family of Gerry.
We wish to extend our prayers and condolences to all of you in the passing of Gerry. We were friends with Garo and Rochelle, and Gerry and Janice thru the Toledo Armenian Association. Enjoyed their home and gardens in Toledo. A very special family, and he will be missed by so many folks.
Sincerely, Garabed & Millicent Apardian
Jeff Kolbe
October 14, 2014
Previous entry submitted by Jeff Kolbe.
October 14, 2014
Jary Sue & Janice,
So sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. He was the best neighbor a guy could have. As we gathered around the kitchen table on W. Bancroft he always asked me what I learned at school each day and quizzed me about the prior day. He later hired me to mow your lawn and watch over son John. Remember the Lincoln with suicide doors? He certainly had jolly laugh and a wonderful smile. He was a terrific man and I feel honored to have known him.
DR TERRY CASEY
October 14, 2014
GERRY"THE TOAD" AS HE WAS AFFECTIONATELY CALLED BY THE GUYS( BUD DREYER, STEVE DEBROCK,DAVE ERIKSON,TERRY CASEY AND OTHERS)WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A GREAT FRIEND IN HIGH SCHOOL. WHO WENT ON TO BECOME A GREAT MAN!
October 14, 2014
My condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of him. We both graduated from MHS in 1956. Connie Gould Teare
Jackie oaks Lyell
October 14, 2014
Jary Sue, John & Family ~
Please accept not only my condolences, but those of the entire MHS Class of '56. We "ALL" lost a very loved and respected friend! Gerry will remain in our thoughts and hearts forever!
Sincerely,
Jackie Oaks Lyell
Ron Buermele
October 12, 2014
Mrs. Jibilian, I don't expect you to remember me, but I met Gerry the summer of 1965 or 1966 in Toledo. One night,he invited my wife, Sharon and I to your home for cocktails before we went to dinner. If my memory serve me right, it was shortly after that night Gerry took a position in Houston, TX. I really liked Gerry. He truly was a good guy. I am greatly saddened to learn of his passing. Our thought are with you in this most difficult time.
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