John Gibbons

John R. "Benny" Gibbons, 65, of Scottdale, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Nov. 10, 1951, in Brooklyn, N.Y., a son of the late John and Catherine (Kelly) Gibbons.

John was employed as a program director in the human services industry working and advocating for developmentally disabled adults. He was a graduate of St. Vincent College and had also been employed as a steelworker where he served as vice president and secretary of his local steelworker's union. John played industrial league softball in Worcester, Mass., for 25 years and along with his teammates reached three championships. A Catholic by faith, he had been an active member at St. Stephen Church, Worcester, Mass. Locally, he was a member of Scottdale BPOE No. 777.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda Owen; his daughter, Emily Nelson and her husband, Timothy, of Providence, R.I.; a sister, Eileen (Gibbons) Bagwell, of New Jersey; his brother, Robert Gibbons, of Florida; and his dear friends, Dave and Linda Kenney, of Scottdale.

A celebration of life in memory of John R. Gibbons will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at the Scottdale Elks Lodge #777, 151 Pittsburgh Street, Scottdale, PA 15683 from 2 pm to 5 pm. A brief service will take place at 2 pm .

Arrangements for John are in the care of GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 303 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to a charity of one's choice.