Mr. Gordon Manning Gibson was born in Wolcott, Conn., on July 10, 1928, to Charles Daniel Gibson and Loretta Kane Gibson. Everyone just called him “Gordie,” with much affection.
He passed from this life Feb. 22, 2022. He is survived by his wife, Rena H. Gibson; daughters, Valerie Jean Gibson and Pamela Ann Gibson; grandchildren, Matthew Gordon Gibson, Sandra Jean Piscitelle, and Julie Marie Piscitelle.
He enjoyed growing up on Hitchcock Lake in Wolcott with activities such as swimming, boating, and riding in the goat-drawn cart with his two brothers, Chuck and Rod. He was always an athletic, outdoors person. He was a member of the Crosby HIgh School swim team, the Mermen of Waterbury, Conn. He won many matches and set records in the butterfly stroke. Gordie was always good-naturedly competitive and strived to do his best at everything he tried. After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy where he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal for his service on the Navy destroyer, the USS Johnston. After his service in the Navy, Gordie went to Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. He earned a master’s degree in physical education and went on to a long career with the Veteren’s Administration in West Haven, Conn. As a corrective therapist, he helped many veterans learn to use their prosthetics through his unfailing patience and persistence.
In 1953, Gordie married Patricia Ruth Dalton, of Waterbury, with whom he had two daughters, Valerie and Pamela. Gordie and Pat raised their children in Bethany, Conn. Gordie was the best of dads who taught his girls to garden, bike, ice skate, make snow mazes for playing tag, and enjoy all kinds of activities outdoors. He had unfailing patience and always a calm, positive attitude of joy.
After his retirement from the VA, the family moved to Chincoteague Island. Gordie took up wind-surfing, boating, fishing, and his favorite passion – tennis. His grandchildren have cherished memories of boating and scavenger hunts and playing tennis with him. He was very active in the Community Tennis Association of Chincoteague. He loved to share his passion for the game by teaching others. He donated his time to helping run and teach the free tennis lessons offered in the summers. He also played competitively in tournaments with his mixed-doubles partner, Faith Brown. They often won matches, but for Gordie it was also about having fun and doing his personal best.
After Pat’s death, Gordie married Rena Haynes. They lived on Chincoteague for many years before moving to Stuarts Draft Retirement Community in Stuarts Draft, Va. Gordie enjoyed playing billiards and ping-pong, working out in the exercise area, visiting and eating dinner with his many friends at SDRC. He enjoyed the various activities at the retirement center such as their popular Saturday Night presentations. He took up walking to help stay in shape and could be seen walking the property in all kinds of weather. He didn’t want to quit and slow down. He was a fighter until the end. He will be remembered for his sense of fairness, generosity, compassion, sense of humor, and thoughtfulness. He always looked for the good in everyone. He will be most sadly missed by friends and family and the many people whose lives he touched with his calm and selfless loving nature.
