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Vincent Gibbs Obituary
VINCENT GORDON GIBBS
Vincent Gordon Gibbs, English teacher and theatre director at Robert E. Peary High School (and later at Wheaton High School) died on August 16, 2023 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He shared his love of classic film, opera, ballet, theater, and literature with generations of students. The theater productions he directed were extremely well regarded, and he acted a bit himself. He was deeply moved to see his former students outside his house last Christmas singing carols to cheer him on and make him realize the impact he'd had through his years in the classroom.
Eclipsing all these joys was his passion for Christmas. His headstone reads "My mom gave me Christmas and I loved them both!" When he was a little boy in Covington, KY she came running home shouting that she and everyone on the bus had seen Santa Claus that afternoon! That magic of Christmas lit up his childhood, and he shared it all through his life with everyone lucky enough to live near him or to know him.
He is predeceased by his father Gordon Charles Gibbs, beloved mother Irene Elizabeth Runge, numerous relatives, one sweet dog, and many friends he considered family. Known as Uncle Pepsi to Adrienne Percival and family, Uncle Vince to several cousins, Vincent to friends and Mr. Gibbs to thousands of students, he leaves a lasting legacy. He will be buried in Mother of God Cemetery in Covington KY on August 25, 2023, remembered at a memorial service at Saint Peter's Parish in Olney, MD on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 11 a.m., and remembered among friends and students on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Consider supporting film preservation in his memory at filmpreservation.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vincent Gibbs
Janelle Burke-Maris
June 8, 2024
Mr. Gibbs was one of those rare individuals that truly impact lives. His gift to me was opera. He taught this pot-smoking hippie kid from Peary HS in 1974 how to listen to and hear opera. Miraculous! And I have loved it my whole life, even if I lacked Mr. Gibbs' gift of inspiring others to listen! I wish I would have known of his passing, I would have loved to attend his memorial. I have thought of Mr. Gibbs often since 1974 with love and much appreciation. He was a firefly in my often dark and brooding adolescent world.
Carlos Bermudez, Class of '98
May 7, 2024
Today is National Teacher's day. The local morning radio show I listen to was talking about teachers that inspired you. Mr. Gibbs came to mind. He was my high school English teacher at Wheaton High School. His love and passion for literature was amazing and he taught me to look for meaning below the surface. Not just in books but in life as well. To always look for the beauty in things. I googled him and was saddened to hear of his passing but it made me happy to see that he had touched the lives of so many of his students. Thank you Mr. Gibbs.
Traci Williams
February 1, 2024
Mr. Gibbs was my English teacher as well in the 1960's at Robert E. Peary High School. He was a wonderful teacher, and was such a kind, caring soul. I will never forget this wonderful man. May the Peace of the Lord be with You!
Traci Williams
Spencer Hines
September 3, 2023
I have been talking about Mr. Gibbs for fifty years. He was an amazing influence and a deeply inspiring man.
Cathy Popkin
September 2, 2023
P.S.--forgot to include among the new (to us) forms of art: classics of early American film.
Cathy Popkin
September 1, 2023
Mr. Gibbs dared us to get over our knee-jerk reactions ("it's dumb, it's stupid, it stinks") to things like ballet, opera, classical music, poetic texts, and, of course, theatrical art. If we rose to the challenge (and most everyone did), if we responded to Swan Lake with wonder and began to sing along with every aria in Carmen, it was his achievement--and a staggering one at that. Thank you, Mr. Gibbs, for the worlds you opened up to us and for believing we had it in us to revel in them.
Evelyn Clore Coleman
August 29, 2023
My husband and I were in the graduating class at Holmes with Vincent. We had the pleasure of being in Flats and Cues with him.
Vincent was a good actor back them. He showed more promise than the rest of us. He had a gift. I´m so glad he had the opportunity to share his gift with others. Rest in peace Vincent
Chris Buppert, Class of '67
August 28, 2023
He was one of my several Yodas. He instilled my first "try not: DO" instinct that has lasted my whole life since. He will be remembered.
Chris Buppert, '67
Steven Parker
August 27, 2023
What can you say ?
He was a teacher who touched lives.
A life well lived.
R.I.P. Mr. Gibbs, you will be missed.
Marianne Class of 1974
August 27, 2023
I had Mr. Gibbs for 11th-12th grade English at Peary High and I will forever remember the vocab lists/words as well. I have since become a writer and I credit him for helping me see the power of words. I loved how he read "Of Mice and Men" to us, acting out all the characters. He was a dynamic teacher who demanded you do your best. He could be tough, but he had a lasting impression on me and I am so grateful he was my English teacher for 2 years. Be at peace, Mr. Gibbs! Thank you for all you gave to me and other students.
Janet Dunn Cumblidge
August 25, 2023
My dad (Dr. Dunn) always spoke fondly of Mr. Gibbs and appreciated his commitment to the school and students. I like to think that they're reunited in heaven. (Or wherever old educators go).
Robert Pine
August 25, 2023
Vince and I used to have a lot of fun together, especially since we shared so many of our interests and love together. He was such an extrordinary teacher...unsurpassed! He will be sorely missed.
O
Chuck Knesel, Beneficiary of 11th Grade English and "Adamant bitter asinine
August 25, 2023
Several years ago, my wife and I went to Mr. Gibbs' annual Christmas open house. I thought about offering to help him with his over-the-top decorations and lights the next year. So I said, "Say, I've been thinking," to which he immediately replied, "Well, it's about time!" Always a quick wit with a wonderful sense of humor. Simply the best!
Melody Gallagher
August 24, 2023
Vincent was a colleague but, more importantly, my friend. I will miss him and his sense of style!
Clifford M Bannister
August 24, 2023
An inspirational teacher, mentor, and Robert E. Peary High School's Drama Class muse to the many students who were educated by him. In the three play productions I was privileged enough to be a part of in the early '70s, I still clearly remember how he would take the time to personally work with those actors or actresses who initially had some trouble with either their lines or characters, and help them understand, develop and craft their roles into truly excellent and outstanding performances. The testament of a life well lived- that you can inspire someone to become a better, wiser person than they were before, simply by listening to them and understanding. This is the essence of empathy; this is what Mr. Gibbs taught to me.
Susan Kaufman '71
August 24, 2023
Mr Gibbs you were one of a kind. My love of theater and the importance of small things like authentic costumes fitting correctly would never have been a part of my life without your teaching and high standards. You are the end of an awsome era. You will be misEra.
My prayers go out to your family and all the alumni, of Peary HS as we all morn the loss of such a wonderful person.
James Amedeo
August 24, 2023
Every time I see a word from one of Mr.Gibbs´ torturous weekly vocabulary tests I first chuckle and then thank God he was my English teary at Peary High School.
Pamela (Rhodes) Murray
August 24, 2023
Few people have impacted my life, Mr. Gibbs was one.
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