Michael H. Gibbons

Forestport- Michael H. Gibbons, 71, a native of Utica, husband of the late Sharon A., died on Monday, May 13, 2013, at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, Utica, while surrounded by the loving care of his family. He was born on July 5, 1941, a son of Jerome H. and Marie E. Killgarif Gibbons. Mike grew up in Utica, where he graduated from Utica Free Academy with the Class of 1957. Thereafter he attended Utica College, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. For several years he was employed as the produce manager at Acme Markets in Utica; at the same time he was employed for seven years as a high school English teacher at Remsen Central School. Later he was employed as produce manager for his father in law, the late Franklin Williamson at Foodland Super Market in Boonville. Mike had a great interest in cooking and catering. He learned the art of being a chef, and for several years he was employed as a chef at the Knotty Pine Restaurant, Old Forge, and at other area restaurants. His last employment was for Sodexo Food Service Co. as a Food Service Manager at health care facilities in Utica. On November 30, 1974, Mike was united in marriage with Sharon Williamson, at Historic Old St. John's Church of Utica. In 1976, the couple settled at their present home near Forestport. Mrs. Gibbons, a long time elementary school teacher at Remsen Central School, died on October 24, 2006. Mike was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, Boonville. He was a former member of the Trinity Vestry and was active in various church events and fund raisers. He was an avid reader with a love for local history and lore. In addition to spending time with his family, Mike enjoyed catering, literature and carving walking sticks and canes. He is survived by one daughter, Molly Gibbons, Forestport; one son and daughter in law, Franklin J. Gibbons and Sara B., Greenfield, MA; and one beloved grandson, Quinn; three brothers and sisters in law, Terrence (Doris) Gibbons, Staten Island, NY, Henry (Christine Olsen) Gibbons, Pasadena, CA, and Timothy Gibbons, Freeport, NY; one sister and brother in law and Marie (Robert) Barned, Camden, NJ; and by a brother in law, Jack Ruppenthal, Bricktown, NJ. He was predeceased by a sister, Ann Ruppenthal. Also surviving are two sisters in law, Nancy (Peter) Geiskopf, Manilus and Heidi (Ed) Stabb, Boonville; and one brother in law, Michael (Linda Lawton) Williamson, Baldwinsville. The Requiem Eucharist with Holy Communion will be on Saturday, May 25, 2013, at 10:00 A.M. at Trinity Episcopal Church, Schuyler St. Boonville, where Rev. Mother Linda Logan, rector, will officiate. Interment will follow in Boonville Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, May 24, from 4-8 p.m. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church or the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, NY.