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GERALD JIBILIAN Obituary

JIBILIAN--Gerald "Gerry" A. 76, a 20 year resident of Chester, NJ passed away on September 12, 2014 surrounded by his loved ones. Gerry was born on March 30, 1938 in Toledo, OH. He graduated from Maumee High School in 1956 where he thrived as a student-athlete and became student council president. He graduated with Honors from Duke University in 1960 and received his Law Degree from the University of Michigan in 1963. While a student at U of Michigan, he met the love of his life, Jary Sue Ridout, and they were married December 26, 1965. Gerry started his long, outstanding career serving as the Assistant Law Director for the city of Toledo and soon after he became the youngest Chief Prosecutor in Toledo. From there he was named an Associate at the law firm of Colbourn, Yager, Smith & Falvey (1963-1969); Vice President and General Counsel of Ogden Foods (1969-1971); Executive Vice President of Schrafft's (1971-1973); Senior Attorney for American Home Products Inc. (later named Wyeth) (1973-1975); Assistant General Counsel of Wyeth Corp. (1985-1986); Associate General Counsel of Wyeth Corp. (1987-1991); Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Wyeth Corp. (1991-2002). Gerry was an active member of the Duke University Alumni Admissions Committee and the University Club in New York City. Following his retirement in 2002, Gerry and his wife travelled the world. Gerry is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Jary Sue; his son John F. Jibilian and his wife Antonia; three grandchildren; his sister Janice; and his Godchildren David and Jenny Zhang, and their son. His family and friends will miss his fine humor, generous spirit, warm smile, and the love he gave to all. Services will be held privately by the Family. Services by William J. Leber Funeral Home, 15 Furnace Road (Corner of Rt 206), Chester, NJ (908) 879-3090.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Oct. 19, 2014.

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George C. McKinnis

October 6, 2025

Gerry was my best friend in Michigan Law School and stayed as an important part of my life and activities in NY. He passed too soon. Now that I have reached my final years, I think of him often with affection, respect and a sense of loss. George C. McKinnis

George C. McKinnis

October 6, 2021

On the anniversary of Gerry´s passing, I remember a close friend, a classmate at Michigan Law School a d a fellow member of the NYC University Club. He was a WONDERFUL friend with a bubbling over sense of humor and a way of attracting fun.
George C. McKinnis

August 17, 2015

Jary Sue,
I just found out about Jerry's death.
He was a great friend on all those drives from Durham to Toledo & back and especially during the "loco Gringos" tour of Europe in 1958.
He was an inspiration to me as a "Renaissance Man".
Rob Buchholz 8/17/2015

George McKinnis

November 10, 2014

I am very sorry that Gerry, one of my best friends for over 40 years, beginning at Michigan Law School, is no longer with us. He has lived more in the years that he was with us than most of us could live in 100 years. He will always be with me as a valued and important part of my experience and history. George C. McKinnis

William Kelly

October 19, 2014

WE HAVE LOST A BELOVED MENTOR AND FRIEND. Bill&Nancy

M Rutledge

October 15, 2014

Mrs. Jibilian - You might not remember me, but I was one of your students long ago. I wish to extend my deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.

Garabed & Millicent Apardian

October 14, 2014

Dear Family of Gerry.
We wish to extend our prayers and condolences to all of you in the passing of Gerry. We were friends with Garo and Rochelle, and Gerry and Janice thru the Toledo Armenian Association. Enjoyed their home and gardens in Toledo. A very special family, and he will be missed by so many folks.
Sincerely, Garabed & Millicent Apardian

Jeff Kolbe

October 14, 2014

Previous entry submitted by Jeff Kolbe.

October 14, 2014

Jary Sue & Janice,
So sorry to hear of Gerald's passing. He was the best neighbor a guy could have. As we gathered around the kitchen table on W. Bancroft he always asked me what I learned at school each day and quizzed me about the prior day. He later hired me to mow your lawn and watch over son John. Remember the Lincoln with suicide doors? He certainly had jolly laugh and a wonderful smile. He was a terrific man and I feel honored to have known him.

DR TERRY CASEY

October 14, 2014

GERRY"THE TOAD" AS HE WAS AFFECTIONATELY CALLED BY THE GUYS( BUD DREYER, STEVE DEBROCK,DAVE ERIKSON,TERRY CASEY AND OTHERS)WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A GREAT FRIEND IN HIGH SCHOOL. WHO WENT ON TO BECOME A GREAT MAN!

October 14, 2014

My condolences to you and your family. I have fond memories of him. We both graduated from MHS in 1956. Connie Gould Teare

Jackie oaks Lyell

October 14, 2014

Jary Sue, John & Family ~

Please accept not only my condolences, but those of the entire MHS Class of '56. We "ALL" lost a very loved and respected friend! Gerry will remain in our thoughts and hearts forever!

Sincerely,
Jackie Oaks Lyell

Ron Buermele

October 12, 2014

Mrs. Jibilian, I don't expect you to remember me, but I met Gerry the summer of 1965 or 1966 in Toledo. One night,he invited my wife, Sharon and I to your home for cocktails before we went to dinner. If my memory serve me right, it was shortly after that night Gerry took a position in Houston, TX. I really liked Gerry. He truly was a good guy. I am greatly saddened to learn of his passing. Our thought are with you in this most difficult time.

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Funeral services provided by:

William J. Leber Funeral Home

15 Furnace Road, Chester, NJ 07930

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