John R. Gibbons

1940 - 2022

John R. Gibbons
October 12, 1940 - October 12, 2022
John Richard Gibbons, 82 of West Haven, CT, passed away on October 12, 2022 after a brief illness. He was born in New Haven, on October, 12 1940 to the late Edward and Catherine (Kitty) Gibbons. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Rosemarie (Casanova) Gibbons. Mr. Gibbons was born on Henry Street in New Haven. He was proud of his Irish-American heritage, and after the loss of his father at age five, worked many jobs to support his family. John worked as a paperboy, in New Haven fish markets, as a cook at Kitty's Diner, and eventually, became a truck driver for numerous businesses in the New Haven area. He attended Boardman Trade High School, and prior to graduation, enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and National Guard, where he proudly served as a member of the 102nd Infantry Unit as an MP. He met the love of his life, Rosemarie Casanova, on a blind date and the two were married in 1962 at St. Michael's Church in New Haven. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. John worked as a proud member of the Teamsters Union, Local 443, for the Continental Lumber Company as a truck driver for twenty-nine years. He was known for his strong physique, positive attitude, and quick wit. He was always ready with a joke to brighten your day. He loved coin and stamp collecting. A devoted and loving family man, John was especially proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He found joy in their visits and in the many stories about their experiences. John had a big heart, giving all he had so that his family could thrive. John and Rosemarie enjoyed their time as members of the West Haven community, supporting Little League and Babe Ruth softball and baseball, Youth Hockey, the Italian American Club, and Saint Paul's Church. John especially enjoyed time at the West Haven Senior Center, where he was the life of the party on many occasions. John and Rosemarie enjoyed travel to Canada, Italy, Hawaii, California, and many day trips with local organizations. After John's retirement in 1997, he endured the effects of two strokes. Despite these health challenges, John continued to enjoy family life with optimism with the loving care of his wife, Rosemarie, and daughter, Lorraine. Our family is very thankful to the numerous health care workers who have cared for John from Yale New Haven Hospital, and the VA Hospital of West Haven over the years, and recently, at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT. He is survived by his son, John Gibbons (Connie Wynne) of Framingham, MA; daughter, Lorraine DiMarzo (Patrick Turner) of West Haven, CT; seven grandchildren, Jimi DiMarzo, Lena Barragan (Carlos Barragan) and Lindsay Gibbons, Ryan Gibbons, Grace Gibbons, Elizabeth Gibbons, and Jake Gibbons. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Catherine (Kitty) Gibbons; brothers, James Gibbons (Kay), Edward Gibbons; and sister, Nancy Rose (Al).
Family and friends may visit the Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street, West Haven, CT, on Sunday, October 16th, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Louis Church of St. John XXIII Parish, 89 Bull Hill Lane, West Haven, Monday, October 17th at 10 a.m., followed by a burial at St. Lawrence Cemetery. The family requests donations be made to Connecticut Hospice, or the West Haven Senior Center Memorial Fund, 201 Noble Street, Upper Floor West Haven, CT 06516. To leave a tribute or condolence, please visit www.keenanfuneralhome.com