William Gibson

William Gibson of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, formerly from Youngstown, Ohio, passed away surrounded by family on July 28, 2025 at Penn Highland DuBois after a short illness. He would say that he was a day older than dirt, but he was really 76.

Bill was born on October 4, 1948 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Francis and Sarah (McLaren) Gibson.

Bill graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1966. He then joined the Navy serving as an airplane technician until honorably discharged in 1971. Bill went on to Youngstown State University, earning an Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology.

Bill married Gloria (Bossick) Gibson on August 20, 1977 in Youngstown, Ohio, who survives. The couple was married almost 48 years and together had four children: Michael (Sandra) Gibson of Pittsburgh, PA, Valerie (Daniel) Nedimyer of St. Marys, PA, Mandi (Craig) Goodwill of Erie, PA, and Lydia Gibson of Pittsburgh, PA. His eight grandchildren were his greatest source of pride: Elias, Jacob and Madelyn Nedimyer of St. Marys, Lucinda and Eleanor Gibson of Pittsburgh, PA, and Chase, Vivian and Anna Goodwill of Erie, PA. He is also survived by his sister Donna Heering of Fort Gratiot, MI and his in-laws Patty Golub, Kenny (Sherry) and Dean Bossick. He will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, whom he adored.

Bill was an electrician and worked for several companies in the Youngstown area, until he moved his family to Elk County in 1993. He then worked at Domtar Paper Mill until his retirement in 2014. In retirement he served in the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail.

Later in life, in addition to family and work, Bill’s vocation was to the church. In 1996, he discerned that he should enter the Permanent Diaconate formation program in the Erie PA Diocese. With his wife by his side, they completed five years of courses and training, and Bill was ordained in 2001. He considered himself a blue collar minister, and over the next 24 years he devoted his life to serving his community and the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church. He found deep purpose in those roles. He was honored to be able to baptize each of his grandchildren. He enjoyed getting to know parishioners personally. Deacon Bill also offered comfort, prayer, and a listening ear while visiting the sick as the Director of Pastoral Care at Pinecrest Manor and Penn Highlands Elk Hospital.

Bill did not believe in blindly accepting the teachings of the church. He questioned his faith in order to have a deeper understanding of God and encouraged others to do so as well. He expressed gratitude repeatedly for God always sticking with him while he figured it out.

If you asked Bill how he was doing, he shot back a “Hunky Dunky!” He believed in service to God, family, and country. His life was a walking example of service, and he never asked for much. He is remembered as the man that always showed up, even if that meant driving all night after working a 16 hour shift. Bill’s greatest joy has always been his family. He was incredibly proud of the children and grandchildren and could often be heard remarking that, “I don’t know what to tell you, I make good kids and grandkids”. He made sure to tell his children that he loved them “more” every single day. Bill enjoyed fishing, spending summers on a boat in Rice Lake, Canada, his truck, and riding motorcycles. When we asked him what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas, he would respond with “A boat, a motorcycle, a truck, and a million dollars.” Although we couldn’t provide those for him, one year we did give him toy versions, wrapped alongside his favorite Reese’s cups. He was a good sport about that.

We believe Bill is extra Hunky Dunky in heaven in the presence of God and that he has been reunited with countless loved ones who have passed before him. This includes his parents, Francis (“Hoot”) and Sarah Gibson, his brothers, Jim and John Gibson and their wives, Bev and Phyllis, all from Youngstown, Ohio as well as his brother-in-law, Pat Heering. He is also joining his in-laws Eli, Rose, Bob, Marilyn, and Barb Bossick. We imagine that he was also welcomed in by all of the deceased who he helped while on earth.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00AM with Rev. Tom Curry, O.S.B., celebrating. Full military honors will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Sacred Heart Church, 337 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 or Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) 17175 Route 6, Smethport, PA 16749.

Love you more.