Henry Berthem Gibbs, Sr. age 80 was called from this life on Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011 after a brief illness at the Southeastern Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center. He was the husband of the late Delia Shannon-Gibbs. He was born in Homestead, Florida, the youngest of seven children to Rufus W. Gibbs Sr. and Margaret E. (Lee) Gibbs. Raised and educated in Brockton, Henry served in the Korean War as a second class Airman in the United States Air Force and was awarded a certificate of honorable and faithful service upon completion. After attending the Massachusetts Cosmetology School, Henry became a licensed Barber and practiced at shops in the Boston and Brockton area. Henry became a proud member Local Drywall Finishers and Painters Union and worked for many years in construction. Henry enjoyed baking, hunting and fishing and was a big sports fan. Boxing and football were his favorites. As young man, Henry was an amateur boxer in the welter-weight class division. A lively and friendly man, Henry, better known as Big Daddy, Gibbsy or Papa Too Sweet, was always ready to talk and tell a story. He leaves behind his children, Antonio Gibbs of Somerset, Robin Lynn Gibbs-Mont of Brockton, Tracy Ann Gibbs of Quincy, Henry Berthem Gibbs, Jr. of Florida, Hilma Gibbs of New Hampshire; his sister Mrs. Anne Johnson of Bridgewater; his grandchildren, Justin Andre Gibbs, Kianna Leche Gibbs, Nathan William Mont and Tevin Gibbs, and the beloved step-grandfather of Candice and Stormy Middelton. He also leaves behind a host of beloved nieces and nephews that include the Johnsons, Shanks, Sweetings, Magees and Hodges. He was the former husband of Dorcas Johnson-Crane. Henry is the brother of the late Sgt. William A. Gibbs, Rufus W. Gibbs Jr., George N. Gibbs, Mrs. Janie Sweeting, and Mrs. Margaret E. Hubbard. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011 in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont St. (Rte. 123) Brockton, MA at 12:00 noon and viewing to be held from 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 noon. Burial to follow at the Melrose Cemetery. For condolences and directions visit www.conleyfuneralhome.com.


Published in The Enterprise from January 25 to January 26, 2011