William E. Gibbons Jr.

William E. Gibbons, Jr, son of the late William E. Gibbons, Sr. and Jessie Gill Gibbons, was born on in 1931 in West Hartlepool, England. He passed away on October 10, 2025 from a long illness. His devoted daughter, Lynn, moved in with her parents 4 years ago to care for them, along with their son, William, III helping out. Bill was fortunate to have such a loving and helpful family through the years.
He, with his mother and 2 sisters, moved from England to Aruba when Bill was 9 years old. His father got a job there as an engineer with Esso Standard Oil, and moved there to get them out of the war. His mother and the 3 children had to spend their nights in a bomb shelter in England. They weren't happy to leave, but came to enjoy life in Aruba. After graduating from Lago High School in Aruba, Bill attended Union College in Schenectady. He left college and served for 3 years in the US Army, earned his US citizenship, and became a proud American Citizen.
Bill went to work in 1955 at the NYS Health Department, and retired from there after 38 years of service. He met his wife of 69 years, Phyllis Wrisley Gibbons there, and they were married in October of 1956. They were blessed with a son, William, III, and a daughter, Lynn Marie, as well as 3 loving grandsons, Troy Shepard (Danielle), William E. "Ted" Gibbons, IV, and Kendal Gibbons (Abbie). A former son-in-law, Wayne Shepard, also survives.
Bill's many interests include fishing and spending time at camp on Lake Champlain, photography, stamp collecting, repairing bicycles, home repairs for people, golfing, and Norwegian Elk Hound dogs. He took up cooking and baking after retirement. Being idle was not for Bill, as his mind never stopped.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: Audrey (Eugene), and Elizabeth; his daughter-in-law, Lori; father- and mother-in-law: Alton and Marie Wrisley; sisters-in-law: Lucille Wrisley Garvey-Little, Pat Wrisley, and Edrie Wrisley-Dickerson; brothers-in-law: Carl Garvey, Dr. Harry Little, Roger Wrisley, and Rodney Dickerson.
Respecting Bill's wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the American Legion Post #1450, Halfmoon, NY 12065 or to Saratoga Community Hospice 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 would be appreciated.
Bill's family would like to give an extra-special thanks to our great doctor and friend, Kathleen Kondo, for her expertise, care, and support. A special thank you to our Hospice team for their love and support, as well. Rosalie, Joyce, Pastor Brian for his prayers and vigils, Annah, Lori, Colleen, Alison, Amy our night nurse, and many others. All of you were so helpful. Thank you.