Lawrence Whalen Gibbs, 85, of New Bedford, passed away peacefully at home December 16, 2018 surrounded by his loving family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Elizabeth, his son John Gibbs and wife Susan of Dartmouth, their children Laurie, Zoey, Ashley, and Jonathan, his great-grandson David and great-granddaughter Emilia; daughter Susan Swisher and husband Mark of Fort Worth, Texas, and their children Elizabeth, Stephen and Jessica; and son Patrick Gibbs and wife Grace and their children Justin, Jocelyn, Cameron and Collin, and his great-grandson Adrian.
He was preceded in death by his parents Cathryn and Alfred Gibbs and his grandson, John “JJ” Gibbs, Jr.
Lawrence was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He graduated in 1951 from Monsignor Coyle High School, going on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Government from Boston College in 1957 and a Master’s Degree in Education from Bridgewater State College in 1965.
Lawrence was employed by the New Bedford Public School System for 40 years before retiring as Principal of Casimir Pulaski School, where his legacy lives on in the annual Lawrence W. Gibbs Award for citizenship. He taught adult learners in the New Bedford evening school program for many years and was brought in to mentor new teachers after his retirement.
He was a member of American Legion Post 17 in Groveton New Hampshire.
In the fall of 1965, Lawrence and two friends, Robert Katley and Arthur Greene, founded the Pine Hill Acres Friday Night Card Club. The club is survived by his cherished friends Robert Jochim, David Green and Peter Nickerson.
In his retirement, Lawrence enjoyed traveling with his wife Elizabeth to places like Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe. His favorite culinary destination was Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth, whose legendary margaritas he enjoyed and aimed to recreate in his own home. He took immense pleasure in all of his children’s and grandchildren’s many accomplishments, and was a particularly loyal fan of his grandson Jonathan’s SEYAA baseball team.
The family wishes to thank the team of caregivers who lovingly supported and cared for Lawrence in his final year of life, including Anne-Marie, Beverly, Kris, and Marlene. They also offer a special thanks to Community Nurses of Fairhaven, especially Sherry and Diane.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday December 20, 2018 at 8 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by his Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 9 AM. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday December 19, 2018 from 4-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Nurse Home Care, P.O. Box, 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.