William M. “Bill” Gibbons, longtime educator and coach, passed away on June 5, 2018 at home. He was the son of the late Thomas R. and Gladys (Chestnut) Gibbons. He leaves his wife Patricia (Fitzgerald) Gibbons. He was blessed with eight children and their spouses: William P. Gibbons (Lisa), Patricia M. Haylon (Timothy), Mary-Ellen Main (Roy), Kathleen M. Trainor (William), Thomas F. Gibbons (Amanda), Elizabeth M. Delaire (Alvin) and Paula M. Kelley (Timothy). Another daughter Anne-Marie M. Gibbons died at the age of 7. He leaves twenty-two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also leaves his sisters-in-law Kathleen Keville, Helen Fitzgerald, Paula Murtaugh (Michael) and Ruth Gibbons, along with many caring cousins, nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents and his daughter, he was predeceased by his grandson Tomás Main, his brother Thomas and sister Mary Ann Sauger, as well as his loving aunts, Mary, Ann and Margaret Gibbons, his father and mother-in-law Patrick and Helen (Walsh) Fitzgerald, sister-in-law Ann Marie (Fitzgerald) Daly, brothers-in-law Thomas Fitzgerald, William Keville and Joseph Daly.
Bill went to Downing Street School, St. Peter’s High School and Clark University before receiving his Master’s from Worcester State University. He taught
English at North and Doherty High Schools and later at the Worcester County House of Correction. He especially enjoyed teaching Shakespeare.
A gifted athlete, he excelled at basketball and tennis. He was very active in sports throughout his life, playing, coaching and officiating. He also announced and timed games at Holy Cross, WPI, Clark and Wachusett. Bill was involved with the Clark Tournament since its origin and was the MIAA state tennis tournament director for 54 years. He enjoyed being a member of Holden Towers Tennis Club. He was fortunate to receive many awards and accolades during his career. He was active at his parish of Christ the King as a lector and CYC advisor and served on the Parish Council.
Bill will be remembered for his genuine dedication to his family, faith, friends, students and the athletes he coached.
Calling hours will be on Friday, June 8th from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.at O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. The funeral Mass of the Resurrection is Saturday, June 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant Street. Father Richard Trainor is the principal celebrant. The Rite of Christian burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery.
Please omit flowers. Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Catholic TV Mass and Rosary Program, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or to Christ the King Church.