Obituary published on Legacy.com by Campbell Funeral Home - Beverly on Feb. 7, 2026.
Gary W. Tibbets, 62, of Beverly, passed away on Thursday, February 5th, after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. He was surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in
Marlborough, MA, on December 15th, 1963, to John Curtis and Hester Christina (Palmer) Tibbets. He attended Marlborough High School, graduating in 1982. After high school, he earned his bachelor's degree in business management from Salem State University.
From an early age, Gary's life was shaped by teamwork, service, and a love of the outdoors. As a boy, he was proudly involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, lessons that stayed with him throughout his life. In high school, he embraced athletics, playing soccer and baseball, and competing in track and field-sports that would later become a central part of how he gave back to his community.
After college, Gary made his home in Beverly, where he built a life centered on family. It was there that he married and raised his three children, pouring his time and energy into their lives and the community they shared. He dedicated 35 years of his career to National Grid, where he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment.
Gary's impact reached far beyond his own family. He devoted countless hours to mentoring and coaching local youth, serving as a coach for Beverly Youth Soccer, Beverly Girls Softball, Beverly Little League, and Kiwanis Basketball. He also served as PTO President at McKeowen Elementary School, Cubmaster for Pack 4 Beverly, and Scoutmaster for Troop 4 Beverly-roles he embraced with pride, patience, and a genuine desire to help young people grow.
A Boston sports enthusiast and lover of the outdoors, Gary found joy in life's simple pleasures-camping under the stars, boating on the lake, taking a leisurely ride in his golf cart, spending summers on the Cape with his family, rowing his boat out on the sea, and cheering for his beloved Patriots.
Above all else, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren, whom he adored beyond measure and loved with his whole heart. Being their Papa was one of his greatest joys and proudest roles. Gary's steady presence, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family and community will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Deborah Tibbets; his son, Douglas Tibbets, and his wife, Amanda, of Dracut; his daughter, Katie Tibbets, and her partner, Patrick Ruelle, of Beverly; and his son, Nicholas Tibbets, and his wife, Kaitlin, of Biddeford, Maine. He was the proud Papa of five grandsons: Samuel (10), son of Katie; Sawyer (6) and Griffin (3), sons of Douglas; Harrison (2), son of Nicholas; and Lincoln (4 months), son of Katie. He is also survived by his mother, Hester Tibbets of Whitefield, New Hampshire, and his sister, Lynne Stiefvater, and her husband, Jim, of Virginia.
He was predeceased by his father, John Tibbets, and by his brother, Ed Tibbets.
Gary's funeral service will be at the Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, on Monday, February 9th, at 1:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Beverly. Contributions may be made in Gary's memory to The Jimmy Fund. Information, directions, and condolences at www.campbellfuneral.com .