Marlborough – Sidney P. Gibson Jr., 86 of Marlborough, passed away peacefully at home on August 14th. Born in Marlborough, MA, he was the son of the late Sidney Gibson Sr. and Rita Gibson (Magoon). He was the brother to the late Sandra Hanson, Charles Gibson, John Gibson and Robert Gibson.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years Betty whom he adored, his daughters Shirley Gibson and Brenda Gibson, his step-sons Shawn Wilder, Scott Wilder and wife Samantha, Anthony Wilder and wife Mary-Jane, Kevin Wilder and wife Marissa and Kenneth Wilder. He is also survived by his sister Elizabeth Cropley and brother William Gibson and wife Debbie. Sidney also leaves behind numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Sid proudly served in the United States Army 2nd infantry division and fought in the Korean War. He was an active member of the VFW, AmVets and the Moose Lodge. Sid worked for the City of Marlborough’s Water Department for many years retiring in 2003. Prior to the city, he worked for many years at the old Concannons in Marlboro close to his old friend and Late John Noble. Sid was also a local constable and worked part time as an orderly at the Bolton Manor Nursing home alongside his wife who had worked as a PCA for over 20 years. After Sid retired in 2003, he and Betty spent their days driving special needs children for AA Transportation.
Sid enjoyed spending time with his family, taking weekend trips with his wife and visiting his daughter Brenda in New Hampshire, going to the annual Family Reunion at the Hopkinton State Park, playing with his grandchildren, going to the movies, yard work and walking. On Saturdays he liked to sit at home and watch his westerns and the three stooges. It wouldn’t be uncommon for him and his daughter Shirley to sneak off to the local bakery to pick up a pizza square and some sweets or an entire angel food cake with chocolate frosting. He especially enjoyed being behind the wheel driving and taking road trips. His famous line was “where are we stopping to eat”? If they serve angel hair pasta with meatballs and marinara sauce, he’s stopping there. Wellys’ in Marlborough was his favorite for sure.
Each morning you could always find Sid around Marlborough, getting his scratch tickets and newspaper and drinking coffee at the local Jakes or at Dunkin Donuts for a plain donut and even more coffee. He loved his coffee!
Sid spent many years walking all over Marlborough checking the water meters for the city and was always in great shape. He liked to be funny and show off how fast he was and get you to race him to the door or to the car and he always won!
Sid and Betty never had a dull moment with a full house of kids. He could always count on the boys to bring home a stray dog or two, snakes, spiders, frogs, a talking bird and find an occasional eel in the bathtub. The days he spent raising the family never lacked laughter, love or compassion no matter the situation. The home he helped build was open to all family and friends and he and his wife hosted many events, holidays, birthdays, and any other festivities you can think of because he loved planning and being with the family. God could not have created a better Husband, Father or Brother. His family were truly blessed to have been so lucky to have him, and he will be deeply missed by all. Sidney and Betty’s marriage was that of a fairy tale. He looked at her on his final days the same he did when he first met her.
Sid suffered a long battle with Dementia and his family knew it was finally time to take him home to be surrounded by those he cared for and loved the most. He was so lucky to have not only been able to leave this earth surrounded by wife and family, but in his final days was able to have his granddaughter Chelsea by his side as his designated Home Health Aide to care for him in his final days.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 5pm-7pm, at the Slattery Funeral Home, Inc. 40 Pleasant St, Marlborough, MA, 01752. Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 20, 2022 at 10am in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Wilson St., Marlborough, MA, 01752.
