Obituary: Ronald Gibbons, 79, of Orange

Obituary via Cody White Funeral Home

Ronald Gibbons, 79, of Orange, CT, passed on New Year’s Day, 2023, after a battle with cancer. Ron was soulmates with Hilery Flynn Gibbons, whom he was married to for 55 years. High school sweethearts from Milford High School, they married in 1967, after dating for eight years. Ron was also the first graduating class from Jonathan Law.

Ron was born on October 4, 1943, to John and Ethel Gibbons. He was a great son-in-law to George and Evelyn Flynn, all from Milford. Ron was predeceased by his younger brother, John Gibbons of Milford, and he leaves behind his sister, Joyce Pagano.(Richard). Ron was an amazing brother-in-law to Faun Flynn Katson, and Bradd Flynn,who he predeceased, and Jim Flynn of Milford and Sebastian, Florida. He leaves behind nieces and nephews: Joanne Flynn Chockey, Jim Flynn, Shane Gibbons, Jessica Gibbons, and Heather Pagano.

After graduating Central, with an Engineering Degree, Ron went to become a Senior Project Engineer, and a Cad-Cam Designer for Schick Warner Lambert, where he worked for 25 years. He spent his retirement being a “Ski Bum”, snowboarding and skiing in Vermont, Aspen, and Cortina, Italy. Traveling with Hilery to many European countries and turning a blindside to her shopping sprees!

Marrying Hilery, he had two daughters, who drove him crazy, but he loved it. His daughters, Kellie (Martino), and Tracie (McDermott) left him outnumbered. Their friends will always remember “Mr. G” throwing epic birthday parties, Haunted Houses and Scavenger Hunts. “G” as he was lovingly referred to was really happy and blessed with his two son-in-laws, Ed Martino and Brian McDermott, who were the sons he never had.

Ronny leaves behind five grandchildren who all were very athletic. He and Hilery were able to watch high school, prep school and collegiate play. Poppy rooted for MaryKate and EmilyRose at Canterbury Prep, Eddie at South Kent, and McKenzie and Bailey at Amity; and he learned to love Volleyball, Lacrosse and Hockey. He later enjoyed following Bailey at Southern Ct. for Lax, and Hobart William Smith for Em and M.K’s hockey. Poppy never hesitated to take road trips for tournaments anywhere, even to Canada because he hated to miss a game. If he couldn’t see it in person, he streamed games at home, and always stood in front of the T.V for the National Anthem! He worked really hard to follow the accomplishments of all the young people around him.

Even though Ron, the dad, was strict, and would not let Tracie or Kellie take the day off for Prom hairdos, he often picked his grandkids up to sneak in a day on the slopes, or a day on the fairways. He took all the kids and grandkids to Ride the Five Boroughs in the 50 mile N.Y Bike Tour, and was always biking around Cape Cod for quick jaunts of 80 miles or so.

Ron loved a round of golf, playing tennis, was the President of the New Haven Ski Club, a runner, a member of New Haven Bicycle Club, a Literary Volunteer of America, donated a lot of his time running events for the Special Olympics, and he was a huge history buff. He especially loved the beach and walking for miles with his family at low tide in Milford and Cape Cod. Ron Gibbons was the kind of guy people wanted to be around, because he never had a bad word to say about anybody. He was a great husband, the best dad, and ultimately the best Poppy.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, January 6, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford. Sharing of Memories will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.