Robert Thomas "Bob" Gibson

Robert Thomas "Bob" Gibson, age 77, of Meriden passed away at home with his family by his side on January 22, 2026. For 55 years he was the loving husband of Marie Machinello Gibson. Bob was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, the son of the late William Jr. and Virginia Safino Gibson.

Bob moved from Hoboken to Meriden with his family as a teenager, and quickly became a standout youth baseball player in town. He continued this success as a baseball player at Maloney High School, where, as a senior in 1966, he pitched to a 9-2 record, with a 1.76 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 96 innings. He also hit .339 with a team high 17 RBIs that year. Bob's high school accomplishments were noticed by local D1 programs, and he was offered scholarships from both Fairfield University and Providence College. Bob ultimately chose to attend Fairfield University, where in 1969 he pitched to a 1.67 ERA in 64 innings, which is one of the best single season ERAs in Fairfield Stag history.

While attending Fairfield, Bob met Marie, and they married in 1970. Bob and Marie raised their children, Dan and Dave, in Meriden, where Bob taught math at Washington Middle School, and Marie taught social studies at Lincoln Middle School. Bob coached both of his boys at Ed Walsh Little League in Meriden, as well as helping coach his boys' hockey teams during their early years with local clubs in Wallingford and Middlefield.

Through his teaching and coaching experiences, "Mr. Gibson" became a mentor and role model for countless boys in Meriden. As time went on, Bob became a fixture as a fan at his boys' high school, college, and adult sports. Eventually, he became something of a super fan at his grandkids' games, and his enthusiastic support endeared him to members of various sports communities.

Bob was also a great golfer. It was rare – and possibly never – that either of his boys were able to beat him on the golf course. He was also an avid fisherman, traveling as far as Montana to flyfish for trout.

In the last 16 years of his life, Bob spent his free time adoring his grandchildren, Emily, Tommy, and Alex. They adored him right back, spending countless vacations, holidays, sleepovers, and post-game meals together. On the rare occasions when he couldn't attend a game, Bob was the first person the grandkids wanted to call after a good performance…and it was a call he always enthusiastically answered.

As to his marriage to Marie, for 55 years Bob and Marie were essentially inseparable (with the possible exception of time Bob spent golfing or fishing). Their bond was clearly present during Bob's battle with pancreatic cancer…with Bob fighting that terrible disease as hard as he could, and Marie fighting it just as hard by his side.

Bob lived a full life as a good man. He will be missed by many.

In addition to his wife, Marie, Bob is also survived by his son, Daniel Robert Gibson and his wife Christina Durso Gibson of Glastonbury, his son David Mathew Gibson of Meriden, his three grandchildren Emily Marie Gibson, Thomas Robert Gibson, and Alexander Daniel Gibson, his brother William Gibson, his brother Richard Gibson and his wife Jane Gibson, his sister Marian Mathieu, his sister in law Denise Plante, his sister in law Mary Ellen Gibson, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and a grandnephew.

Bob's family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday January 29th at the Wallingford Funeral Home 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. A Funeral Service will commence at the funeral home at 5:30pm. Interment will be private.