George Gibbs

George Gibbs, 84, of Allentown died Sunday, June 19, 2016 surrounded by familyand friends in the Inpatient Hospice Unit at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Allentown. George was a passionate man who loved his family, his Scottish heritage and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was devoted to helping young people choose their best academic path. He was mentor and friend to many and delighted in their success. He had a devilish sense of humor which brought many laughs to his family, especially his grandchildren. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Carlson) Gibbs. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on August 25, 2015. Born in Allamuchy, NJ, he was the son of the late Nellie (Davidson) Gibbs. After graduation from high school, George continued his education at Muhlenberg College receiving an A.B. in Economics and his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. After attending the Harvard University School of Education, he received a M.Ed.in Counseling from Lehigh University. A navy Veteran, during the Cold War, he served on the Naval air squadron and received a commendation for outstanding performance of duty. Returning home from the service, George began his career at the American Telephone & Telegraph Company in the Management Training Program, 1957-1960. He was Assistant Dean at the University of Pennsylvania, 1960-1963. He moved to Muhlenberg College in 1963 and was named Assistant to the President, 1963-1964; Vice President for Development, 1964-1966; Dean of Admission and Freshmen, 1966-1984. In 1984, he and the late Edward B. Wall founded the partnership Gibbs & Wall, an educational consulting and counseling firm. George operated the firm after his partner's death in 2008 until his retirement in 2012. George was a consultant for College Scholarship Service and the Educational Testing Service, 1972-2002 and Consulting Coordinator of College Counseling, 1987-2008 for Chatham Hall, VA, Newark Academy, NJ and Kent Place, NJ. He was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors having served as a presenter at national and regional conferences and as a Pennsylvania delegate. He was a presenter at regional and national conferences of the College Entrance Examination Board and a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, serving as a consultant to the national committee on Uniform Student Financial Aid. George served as program coordinator of the Allentown Youth Coalition; member of the Allentown Mayor's Citizens' Advisory Committee; talk show host, sports commentator and guest interviewer for WLVT-TV and PBS-TV; Advisory Board member of Lehigh County Human Services; and was a member of the Board of Directors of Kids Peace - National Centers for Kids in Crisis, the Community Concert Association, Kiwanis Club of Allentown and Swain School. Active with the Celtic Highland Games & Festival, Bethlehem he served as Chairman of the U.S. National Pipe Band Championship and was the Founding member of the Development and Management Committee of the Sports Fields of Lehigh County. He was the author of several publications including; "Educational Planning & Financing", "Campus Daze- Easing the Transition from High School to College" and "107 Main Street". He was a former member and lector at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Emmaus. Survivors: Wife, Barbara; daughter, Kimberly wife of Mark Dolan of Barrington, RI; step-daughter, Catherine Swanson of Green Lane; step-sons, Kenneth Swanson husband of Catherine of Exton, Thomas Swanson husband of Elizabeth of Zionsville, Mark Swanson husband of Jacqueline of Hatfield; grandchildren, Maddison and Magdalene O'Hayer; step-grandchildren, Zachary and his wife Erin, Michael, Nicholas, Kenneth, Katherine and Matthew Swanson, Joseph and Robert Brudnak. Services: Funeral Service 11:00AM Friday in Egner Memorial Chapel at Muhlenberg College, 2400 Chew St., Allentown. Graveside Committal 10:00AM Saturday at St. Paul's Blue Church Cemetery, Coopersburg. Arrangements by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown, www.jsburkholder.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association- Lehigh Valley Division, 968 Postal Road, Suite 110, Allentown, PA 18109 or Lehigh Valley Hospice, 2166 S. 12th St., Allentown, PA 18103.