Mr. Horace E. Gibson, known to all as Gib, 83, of Woodbury died Saturday, July 10th at Waterbury Hospital. He was the husband of the late Joy Gibson to whom he was married for 53 years.
Mr. Gibson was born July 19, 1926 in Waterbury, a son of the late Lee Woods and Irene (Hallaway) Gibson. He was a veteran of the US Army Air Corps during WWII and boxed during his service. He worked for Eastern Alloy Company for many years, later moving on to and retiring from Federal Gage in 1995 as a Sales Engineer. The Gibson family has resided in Woodbury since 1639. Gib served on the Woodbury Republican Town Committee for many years. Before and after his retirement he managed the voting machines for the town of Woodbury. Gib's love of his town was evident through his dedication to many organizations and groups. He was a member of North Congregational Church, a little league coach, involved in boy scouts, a past President of the Woodbury Lion's Club, and a member of the Masons. Gib loved camping; his trips with his late wife and family brought him to locations from Mississippi to Nova Scotia. He was involved in camping organizations and was the Nutmeg Camper Wagon Master. He also loved NASCAR racing having been involved in racing himself. He raced at Lime Rock, Danbury Race Arena, Plainville and Thompson Speedways, and Gymkhana racing and car touring. His other interests were woodworking, working on cars and telling stories. His love of conversation led to the coining of the phrase of "Gibby Gabbing". Gib loved his wife, Joy, so deeply and acted as her nurse for many years when she was ill. He always put his family first and was very supportive of all their endeavors. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family and friends.
He is survived by two daughters, Donna Lea Gibson Erickson and her husband Matthew of Naugatuck and Barbara Joy Gibson Valenti and her husband Joseph of Beacon Falls, a son Scott John Gibson and his wife Tracey of Maiden, NC, a sister Amy Gibson Young of Terryville, a brother Donald Gibson of the Southbury Training School, six grandchildren, Matthew and Caitlin Erickson, Joseph Valenti Jr. "J" and Christina Valenti and Hayley and Makenzie Gibson and a step grand daughter, Cheryl Valenti Horner and her children C.J. and Ashley. He was predeceased by a son Lance Gibson.

Memorials: Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Society, Central CT Chapter, 1125 Dixwell Ave., New Haven 06514.

Cemetery: New North Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: Church Not Applicable

Services: Graveside services will be held on Thursday July 15th at 12pm at New North Cemetery, Woodbury.

Visitation: Calling hours will be held on Wednesday July 14th from 5 - 8pm at the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson - Lovetere, 2 School St.