Donald F. Gibbons

COLONIE – Donald F. Gibbons, a beloved father and World War II veteran, passed away at home on October 11, 2012 in the presence of his family. He was 88 years old.

Born in 1924 in Brooklyn, Donald was raised by his mother, Anne Gibbons. His father, Joseph Butler Gibbons, died in 1929. He joined the Army in 1943 and was assigned to field duty with the Office of Strategic Services in the China-Burma-India theatre through the end of the war. On the troop ship back to the United States Donald won enough money playing poker to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He drove that bike from Brooklyn to Albany to court Margaret "Peggy" Feehan. They were later married in 1947.

Donald and Peggy bought a home in Colonie where they raised two daughters and three sons. Peggy predeceased her husband in 1986 at 63 years old. For a short time, Donald worked at International Harvester in Menands, and for decades, he was a mechanic at the Playdium Bowling Alley in Albany. He had the innate ability to fix anything mechanical, and was adept at pen and ink artistry and woodcarving. Donald, or "Red" as many knew him, had a quick wit and generous heart. He felt equally at home with family, friends and strangers.

Along with his wife and parents, Donald was also predeceased by his brother, Joseph and longtime companion, Thelma Maloney.

He is survived by his brother John of Red Hook; children Michael (Sue) of Johnsonville, Daniel (Dale) of Liberty, NY, Susan (Jim) Tarantino and Mary Ann Gibbons of Albany and Paul (Eileen) Gibbons of Stillwater; grandchildren Aidan, Mackenzie, Sam, Juliet, Maura, Hollie, Brendan, Charlotte, Maggie, Katie and Connor; great-grandchildren Whalen, Oona, Alma, Scarlett, Isaiah and William; several nieces and nephews and the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of his companion, Thelma.

A memorial service will be held on October 27, 2012 at 12:30 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A calling hour will precede the service from 11:30 to 12:30 at the funeral home. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.