Worcester – David J. Gibbons, beloved husband, devoted father, and proud WWII Navy Veteran, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 years old on April 8, 2021.
David was born in Worcester, the son to the late David J. and Alice (Bates) Gibbons. After graduation from Westborough High School in 1944, David began his studies at Northeastern University. In 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy were he honorably served as a Navy pilot.
Upon his return to civilian life David completed his education, earning his B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1950 from Northeastern. Throughout his 43-year career, David worked as an electrical engineer with Massachusetts Electric / New England Electric Co. He retired in 1993 as a Sr. Engineer.
Seventy-two years ago, in 1948, David married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Virginia “Ginger” Burhoe. While raising their family the couple resided in Framingham, Westborough, and Oxford prior to settling in Auburn for 33 years.
With a love for the ocean, David and Ginger purchased a home on Monument Beach and later, in Sandwich. For many years they split their time between Auburn and the Cape. In 2011 the couple moved to the Willows in Worcester where they enjoyed an active social life.
David and Ginger enjoyed traveling the world together. As a member of the Retired Men’s Club of Greendale and with family, they travelled to Europe, ballooned over Egypt, the Swiss Alps, River cruises, Puerto Rico and the Islands. David especially enjoyed retracing his ancestry and visiting family in Ireland.
David was a former parishioner and active member of the Knights of Columbus Counsels of St. Anne’s Parish of Oxford and North American Martyrs Parish in Auburn. David was active with cemetery preservation with Corpus Christi Parish in Sandwich.
More recently, David and Ginger attended St. George’s Parish in Worcester. He was a life member of the American Legion active in Sandwich Post 188 and Past Commander of Post 58 of Oxford. He was a member and Past Chairman of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Boston Region.
A true testament to the mind of an engineer, David could be found disassembling a newly purchased item to see how it was built. More often than not, he would be glad to share his ideas of how to build it better with anyone who happened to be listening.
For several years David volunteered as a Boy Scout Leader with his sons in Oxford and Auburn. He enjoyed spending time in the family garden earning the affectionate name of “GG Pa Beans” by his grandchildren. In his younger years, David looked forward to playing golf, waterskiing, bowling, skeet shooting and attending air shows. He most especially looked forward to spending time with his family.
In addition to his beloved wife, Virginia Gibbons, David is survived by six children, Alice L. DiPace and her husband Frank of Sudbury, David G. Gibbons and his wife Adelaide of Okeechobee, Fla., John F. Gibbons and his wife Terri of Monument Beach, Ann E. Harmer and her husband Raymond of Bellaire, Mi., Maura V. Keegan and her husband Richard of Rindge, N.H., and Richard P. Gibbons and his wife Judith of Stewartstown, N.H. David was preceded in death by his son, James Gibbons, in 2007 and his brother, John Gibbons. David is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, his daughter-in-law, Laurie (Gibbons) Little, and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 30, at 10 a.m., at Saint George Parish, 40 Brattle St., Worcester. There will be a Celebration of Life to be arranged when we can all safely gather. All Massachusetts Covid 19 guidelines for safety and social distancing will be followed. Masks are required.
In lieu of flowers, David’s family respectfully suggest donation be made to Saint George Parish or the charity of your choice.
Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough is honored to assist the Gibbons family at this time. To leave a condolence or to share a story, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
