Robert Gibney

Robert Matthew Gibney, of Dorset, Vermont passed away on April 15, 2017 at the age of 71 following a short illness. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Salley Dantzler Gibney; daughter Dr. Salley Gibney Pels and her husband Andrew Pels of Woodbridge, CT; son Matthew W. Gibney and his wife Kimberli DeMayo of Somerville, MA and grandchildren, Liliana, Alan and Weston. Bob is also survived by his sister Janet G. Pillard and her husband Edward Pillard of Vero Beach, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Alan W. Gibney. He was born on August 9, 1945 the first child of the late William M. Gibney and Josephine Ockershausen Gibney in Orlando, Florida where his father was stationed during his military service. Robert was raised in Syosset, NY. He graduated with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in History and Education from Adelphi University, Garden City, New York where he was elected to Phi Alpha Theta National Honor Society. He completed his Post-Graduate Studies in Educational Administration at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York Bob dedicated both his personal and professional life to education and public service starting as a History teacher upon college graduation at the Henry Viscardi School for students with physical disabilities in Alberton, NY. He became Assistant Headmaster and then served as Headmaster for 11 years. He then Co-Founded the Christian Nursing Hospice for Children in Commack, NY. Bob enjoyed coaching his children's sports teams and was Director of the Junior Sailing Program at the Lloyd Neck Bath Club. He served on numerous volunteer town committees and boards and was President of the Lloyd Harbor, New York Historical Society. In 1998, Bob and his family moved to Dorset, VT. , where he accepted a position as Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT. While there, he was Co-Founder of the Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning and later remained as a member of the Adjunct Faculty. In Vermont, Bob volunteered as an early organizer of the Neighbor to Neighbor Program through the Interfaith Council in Manchester, VT; was a member of the Parish Council at Christ Our Savior Parish in Manchester, VT; was a Board Member of the Dorset Historical Society and also of the Battenkill Valley Community Health Center in Arlington, VT. In 2007, Bob was elected to the Dorset Board of Listers where he served as Chair for 10 years until 2017. Bob's lifelong interest in sailing was inspired by his love for the ocean and nature. Spending time on the water, among the trees or under the stars with his wife, children and grandchildren made him most happy. He was a dedicated husband, father and doting "Pop Pop", who put his family's interests ahead of his own. His compassion, thoughtfulness and positive thinking continued through his illness and was an inspiration to all around him. He is dearly missed. Funeral Services will be held Thursday April 20, 2017 at 11am at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church ( Christ Our Savior Parish) in Manchester. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday evening from 5-7pm at Brewster-Shea Funeral Home 34 Park Place Manchester Center, VT. In Lieu of Flowers, Please send Donations to Manchester Health Services for Hospice Program, or the Bennington County Coalition for the Homeless, c/o Brewster-Shea Funeral Home P.O. Box 885 Manchester Center, VT. 05255. Funeral Services will be held Thursday April 20, 2017 at 11am at St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church ( Christ Our Savior Parish) in Manchester. Interment will be private. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday evening from 5-7pm at Brewster-Shea Funeral Home 34 Park Place Manchester Center, VT.