Gary Edward Gibbs

Gary Edward Gibbs of Rutland, Vermont, passed away on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Born on August 1,1940 in Sudbury, Vermont, Gary -- known to those he loved as Gibber, Uncle Gibber and Gibby -- was a humble, plainspoken Vermonter. His life was defined by deep commitments to hard work, service, and his family. He believed in doing things the right way, keeping his word, and never shying away from a job that needed to get done.

Gary built a long and respected career with General Electric, where his work ethic earned him the appreciation of his employer and his colleagues. An endless tinkerer, he found joy in working with his hands -- always improving, repairing, and figuring things out. He was especially proud of the wooden toys and bird houses he spent countless hours crafting in retirement, as well as the miscellaneous ingenious contraptions he built in his workshops to make maximum use of space and access to his tools and equipment. 

For more than two decades, he served his state and nation with great pride in the United States Army, retiring as a Staff Sergeant (E-6). His service reflected his character, discipline, and commitment to something larger than himself. Traits, and expectations, he passed along to his family.

Outside of work and service, Gary knew how to enjoy life. He loved to dance, play horseshoes, and travel alongside his beloved bride of nearly 64 years, Judy. Together, they built a lifelong partnership that was enduring, resilient, and an example of what a couple’s love can make possible.

Above all, Gary was a devoted father and family man. He led not with words, but by example. Showing through his actions what it meant to be dependable, capable, and kind. He was tough. And tender. Stern. And funny. We love him immensely – just as he loved us.

Gary is survived by his wife, Judy Gibbs; his daughter Robin Lacz (Jeff); son Jason Gibbs (Amy); grandchildren Corey (Meg) and Addison; his brother Dwayne Gibbs (Betty); and his many beloved in-laws and nephews and nieces, especially Missy, Shannon, and Kristal who he so deeply appreciated and adored.

Calling hours are 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9th at the Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland, Vermont. Following a short service at the funeral home, a celebration of life and fellowship will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday May 9th at the American Legion, Post 31, in Rutland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Foley Cancer Center in his memory. 

Donations to the Foley Cancer Center at Rutland Regional Medical Center can be made online with the Rutland Health Foundation or by mailing checks to 160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701. Contributions support patient care, technology, and programs, and are tax-deductible.

Gary will be remembered as a man who taught us to work hard, speak plainly, love deeply, and to always leave things better than we found them.