Richard Tuttle Gibbons

1928 - 2025

Richard (Dick) Tuttle Gibbons
Richard (Dick) Tuttle Gibbons, 96, passed away on January 11, 2025, at his home in Middle Haddam, CT. Born in Middletown, CT on September 4, 1928, Dick lived in the area his entire life.
He was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Woodbury Gibbons, and his stepson, Frederick Van Brunt. He is survived by his son Rich and wife Heather and their three children-Julia, Jackson, and Max, of San Diego.
Dick graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1945 where he excelled in mathematics and was one of the youngest members of his class. A graduate of Wesleyan University, Class of 1949, and a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity, Dick remained a loyal and supportive alumnus his whole life.
Serving in the US Navy, he was deployed to Korea in 1950 as an officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany. After returning from service, Dick served as a stockbroker for Putnam & Company (which later became Advest) where he served as a Branch Manager in Middletown. Merrill Lynch subsequently purchased the firm, and he concluded his career there as a highly regarded financial professional in the Connecticut community, retiring at the age of 88.
The Gibbons name goes back centuries in Middletown; his great grandfather, Capt. Elijah Gibbons, organized Company B of the 14th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry consisting mostly of Middletown men. He was mortally wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862. With these deep ancestral roots, Dick was a steadfast and enthusiastic supporter of the Middlesex County Historical Society.
Other community contributions included serving as president of the Middletown Rotary Club; as volunteer treasurer of the Independent Day School; as a corporator of Middlesex Hospital; and as advisor to Midstate Investors.
He and his wife Barbara were avid travelers and circled the globe with friends, visiting dozens of destinations. When not traveling, they poured their time, energy and creativity into their beloved home overlooking the Connecticut River in Middle Haddam.
As a parent and citizen, Richard T. Gibbons served as a phenomenal role model, embodying what it means to be a connected member of the community, serving others and always doing the right thing.
A private graveside service was held in Pine Grove Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the Middlesex County Historical Society or the Middle Haddam Public Library. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.