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John Gibbons Obituary
Edwardsville - John P. Gibbons
Beloved husband and father John P. Gibbons, 85, of Edwardsville, Illinois, received the Last Rites and passed away suddenly on January 19, 2023, from complications of cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and their seven living children.
Born in St. Louis in 1937, he moved to Edwardsville in 1947 and attended St. Boniface grade school. He graduated from Chaminade High School in 1954. He graduated from St. Louis University in 1958 with a degree in engineering, and St. Louis University School of Law in 1976. He practiced law in Illinois and remained a certified electrical engineer until his death.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, serving in multiple volunteer roles. He was a founding and current board member of Fr. McGivney Catholic High School. In 2013, the Diocese awarded him the Magnificat Award for extraordinary service.
John dedicated his life to service. He joined in the early development of the Madison County trail system. He served as past president of the Glen-Ed Chamber of Commerce. He was a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Edwardsville.
He served for many years as counsel and on the Board of Directors of Challenge Unlimited in Alton, Illinois, an organization committed to serving individuals with disabilities.
He was an Eagle scout and served as a Scoutmaster for over 20 years. He served on the boards of the Trails West Council and the Greater St. Louis Area Council. He was a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow. In 2011, he was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service.
John was preceded in death by his son Michael Joseph, parents F. Ritchie and Loraine (Vogt) Gibbons, and brother Tom. He is survived by his sister Sally (Joe) Kasalko, his wife of sixty years Sherry (Reardon) Gibbons, his children Judy (John) Riordon, Brian (Magdalena) Gibbons, Paul (Heather) Gibbons, Tom (Lori) Gibbons, Beth (Matthew) Capdevielle, Dan (Taryn) Gibbons, and Jim Gibbons; and his twenty-one grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:30 pm Friday, January 27, 2023, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1802 Madison Avenue in Edwardsville, with eulogy and Rosary at 5:30 p.m.. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary's 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fr. McGivney Catholic High School or St. Mary's Catholic Church in Edwardsville.
Arrangements by Saksa Mateer Funeral Home
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gibbons
Connie Sheridan McCabe
January 26, 2024
I remember having inner in St. Louis with my husband George along with the Moriaritys and the Gibbons following our reunion at St Mary's. Was great fun. Take Care Connie Sheridan McCabe
Steve Launius
February 1, 2023
Sherry and family My sincere sympathy to each one of you on John's passing. It came as a total shock to me. When I would talk to him, he would say he was just fine and did not have COVID. We would visit about FR. McGivney HS, he new I was a retired school superintendent. He was very proud of that H.S. He was a strong supporter of the Edwardsville community and will be missed. Sincerely Steve Launius Nashville, Illinois
Connie Sheridan McCabe
January 26, 2023
Dear Sherry & family I am so sorry you lost your dear husband John. I will be in touch. Love Connie Sheridan McCabe
Bill Nettles
January 25, 2023
I am so sorry for the family and loved ones. He will be missed. I felt blessed to meet such a wonderful man. I am sure he has had a great impact and helped so many people that feel the same. I knew when our paths crossed in life he was a outstanding individual. I treasured his friendship and advice since moving to Glen Carbon and meeting him.
Faith Ritchie
January 25, 2023
I only met my second cousin John late in life-- at a Ritchie family reunion in 2006 which he helped plan. Then again at a second reunion in St. Louis.
He was truly blest to have so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Condolences to Sherry and the children.
May he Rest In Peace.
Faith Ritchie, Pelham, New York
John Derr
January 25, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of John´s passing. When we first moved into Edwardsville and started attending St. Mary Church, singing with him in the choir, John was a warm, welcoming and friendly voice. He would seem to go out of his way to speak to me when we would meet in town or at events. He was a special man who will indeed be missed. God bless you, his family, in your sorrow and loss.
Patty O´Connell
January 24, 2023
Deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad. husband, grandpa and friend. You and your family, Judy, will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love
Patty O´Connell P.S. l do not know your new address but will keep you in my prayers.
Susan Eaker
January 24, 2023
I was saddened to hear of John's passing. The time Tom and I spent with him showed his kindness, his humor and his generosity. He will be missed by many.
Susan Eaker
Colleen Benjamin
January 24, 2023
Heartfelt condolences for the loss of your dear father. It is so hard losing a parent a matter at what age. Praying for peace and comfort to the entire Gibbons family. Kindest regards, Colleen O´Brien Benjamin.
Dr.Norman Martinez
January 23, 2023
My deepest condolences to the Gibbons family. John was a great Rotarian and citizen. May the Lord keep him in his Kingdom.
Lynn Grotefendt
January 23, 2023
So sorry for the Gibbons´ family loss. He will certainly be missed by the St. Mary family.
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Saksa Mateer Funeral Home - Edwardsville210 North Kansas Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025
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