John Gerard Gibi, age 65, passed away suddenly December 29 at Sarah Cannon Cancer Center from complications of stem cell transplant during a courageous and valiant eight-month battle with multiple myeloma.
John made the world a better place just by being in it. His boundless enthusiasm and unwavering work ethic were his trademarks. He could light up a room with his smile and easy-going personality. His random acts of kindness were endless. He made everyone feel special and loved.
Born in Hornell, New York, John was a 1974 graduate of Fairview Park High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Ohio University before earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and soil science from Tennessee Technological University in 1978. John was a Licensed Soil Scientist for the state of Tennessee and a highly sought-after soils consultant for his expertise in a career spanning 42 years.
His hobbies included carpentry, woodworking, and home projects of all kinds; he was a true renaissance man. He was an instrument rated pilot who found peace flying in the skies. John’s real passion was music. He was an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, and mandolin player who loved jamming with other musicians, especially the neighborhood Basement Band.
He was preceded in death by parents, John Joseph and Eileen Gibi; sister Michelle Starr, and beloved cat Leo.
He is survived by:
Loving wife – AnnSue Wattenbarger
Son – Joe Gibi (Kathleen)
Granddaughter – Melanie
Sisters – Celeste Patterson (Tom) and Siobhan Gibi
Brother – William Gibi (Kathy)
Niece – Kelly Patterson
Sister-in-law – Marjorie Phillips, (Ronnie)
Brother-in-law – Lloyd Wattenbarger (Jackie Jacoby)
Nephews – Dr. Darryl Phillips, (Jennifer) Dr. Jason Phillips (Kathryn)
Great nephews – Landon, Britton, and Cameron Phillips
A memorial service will be held on January 8 at Abundant Life Church in Mount Juliet. Receiving of friends will begin at 11:00 with service following at noon. Please wear masks!
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Leash on Life animal shelter (Lebanon) or the American Cancer Society (Nashville).
Arrangements by Bond Memorial Chapel, N. Mt. Juliet Road, and Weston Drive, Mt. Juliet, TN. (615) 773-2663. www.bondmemorial.com
