David J. Gibbons

David Gibbons, 86, of Narragansett, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 2, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was a loving husband of the late Joan (Gentile) Gibbons, and the proud father of four children, Joan Gibbons, Hope Gibbons Jackson, Helen Gibbons Vieluf, and David Gibbons; three grandchildren and their families: Matthew Jackson and his partner Nicole Tuszynski, Hillary Jackson Ali and her husband Keith Ali, Lauren Vieluf and her partner Timothy Jennings and their sons, Waylon and Brogan Jennings; and a brother, Dr. Raymond Gibbons of Maryland. He now joins his deceased brothers, Thomas, Joseph, John, James, and Andrew. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late David and Agnes (McGowan) Gibbons. After serving in the U.S. Army, Dave began a career with the Providence Fire Department. He first served as a firefighter and spent the last 20 years of his service with the Fire Prevention Bureau and as an Arson Squad Investigator before retiring in 1988. Dave lived a rich life and was known to his friends and family as an incredibly warm and humorous personality. Dave loved the simple pleasures of conversation, be it with his grand—and great-grand—children, with dear old friends while on the shores Narragansett Beach, or simply with passers-by. It was Dave’s curiosity and gift for connecting with people and animals that would lead him to a wide range of creative pursuits. He worked as a photographer, as a craftsman for dental labs, provided security for events at Trinity Repertory Company, and bred and raised championship poultry, among countless other hobbies and fascinations. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 13 at 11:00am in St. Mary, Star of the Sea Church, 864 Pt. Judith Road, Narragansett. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Home & Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904-9826 or St Mary’s Home for Children, 420 Fruit Hill Avenue, North Providence, RI 02911-2647.