Obituary of Thomas M. Gibson

Thomas McClay Gibson (Tom), 97 of Garnet Valley, PA, died peacefully on November 2, 2024. He was born on June 27, 1927, in Carlisle, PA. Tom was a graduate of Carlisle High School and Temple University with a B.A degree in journalism. Tom's life and career was filled with serving others, and helping others enjoy life through humor. 

Following high school, Tom enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in New York. It was there that his love for the theater was born. He maintained a huge fan of movies and musicals and could have easily been a top critic. Following his discharge from the Navy, Tom entered Temple University on the GI Bill. He began his commitment to service organizations at Temple, as well as another life-long commitment to love. Quiet and observant Tom noticed a busy and vivacious Margie scurrying around campus and asked a mutual friend for a blind date. That was the beginning of a 70+ year partnership of love and devotion. 

Tom's career included his talent for writing and human relations. He worked for the Boy Scouts of America for almost three decades. At first, he was a field agent in Altoona, PA and Front Royal, VA and then worked at the home office in North Brunswick, NJ, where he wrote for and edited the organizations' magazines. This role allowed him the opportunity to have fascinating interviews with people such as Neil Armstrong and Bobby Kennedy. He later worked for the Leukemia Society of America (now the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) as the associate director of public education and information. He took the lead on the organization's public relations and outreach and provided counsel to the national office's fundraising executive leadership team. During his time at the national office, Tom was part of the team that worked with then-Mets catcher Gary Carter on his involvement as the organization's national sports chairman. Gary helped raise over $10 million to fight blood cancers and provided the Society with national awareness. 

Tom's loves, aside from Margie, included music, travel and humor. Tom played trombone in the marching bands at high school and college and would bring out the horn at Christmas to play O Holy Night. He continued to enjoy music through singing in the church choir, concerts, and musicals. Travels while the family was young included visiting every Civil War battlefield and other historic and fun places across the US. Later, Tom and Margie traveled the world for several years visiting Europe, Africa, Asia and just about all 50 states in the US. 

Tom was well known for his ability to emcee an event (including his daughter's wedding!) and provide a touch of his dry humor, bringing smiles to all. He and Margie enjoyed hosting parties where he would often provide entertainment in a speech or comedic dialogue. Many events included Tom sharing a Carnac routine (of Johnny Carson fame) or portraying Moses and having a conversation with God. Tom also used his talents in his vocation for serving others. He participated in service organizations his entire life and dedicated time and leadership to the church, Rotary of Chadds Ford and Media, and American Legion of Media, among others. He proudly marched in the parades and served at the Pancake Breakfasts well into his 90's. Tom loved to help others and was devoted to his family. 

Tom is predeceased by his parents, Clay and Ruth (Melester) Gibson and the love of his life, wife Margie of 71 years, who just died 2 months ago. He is survived by children, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Donna, and Karen and son-in-law John (Dickinson), grandchildren Jenny Dickinson Lane (Jeff), Greg Gibson, Johnny Dickinson, and Brad Gibson (Sophie) and great-grandchildren Chase, Brady and Taylor Lane and Rosie Gibson, who fondly called him Grander. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, Bob, Laurie, Carl, and Rick. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 10, from 2:00-3:00PM at Reformation Lutheran Church, 102 W. Rose Tree Rd, Media, PA followed by a funeral service at 3:00PM. Interment will take place on Monday, November 11, at 10:00AM at Media Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Reformation Lutheran Church: relcmedia.org/giving or to 102 W Rose Tree Rd, Media, PA 19063.

To view livestream service please CLICK HERE