Michael E. Gibbons

Michael Edward Gibbons, 65, a Matlacha resident since 2011, formerly of Garrison, NY and Gloucester, MA passed away Monday, May 15, 2017. He was born January 23, 1952 in Salem, MA to Robert E. Gibbons and Doris E. Ruane Gibbons, now deceased.

Michael grew up in Peabody, MA where he attended public schools until attending Bishop Fenwick High School. He attended the University of Massachusetts in Boston for two years before going to work for the New England Telephone Company. His career as Lead Field Service Engineer in the semiconductor industry began in Gloucester, MA. It led to extensive travel throughout the United States, Germany and South Africa installing and repairing Ion Implanters and Etch equipment for several hi-tech corporations.

Michael continued his career in the semiconductor industry in New York. While living in Garrison, Michael was appointed Chairman of the Philipstown Greenway; County Representative of the NY State Greenway; and member of the Philipstown Planning Board. He worked closely with the NY State Park System to create the Hudson Valley’s Fjord Hike & Bike Trail in Philipstown and frequently consulted with NY State Representative Sandy Galef on environmental matters. He was elected President of the Garrison Fish & Game Club and became a member of the Board of Directors for the Cold Spring, NY Chamber of Commerce.

Michael and his wife left New York to retire in Matlacha on Florida’s west coast. Once in Florida, Michael joined the Greater Pine Island Elks and worked with the Roy Hobbs World Series organization. In 2012, he and his wife purchased Matlacha-Cottages, a hospitality business located on the Matlacha Aquatic Preserve. Michael was also elected President of the Matlacha-Civic Association. He served one year before his illness forced him to resign. Once his health improved he served on the board of Directors for the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce.

Michael enjoyed serving his community and meeting new people. His favorite pastimes were golfing, fishing and dancing with Marta whenever possible. Toward the end of his life, Michael discovered a hidden talent for writing; documenting life experiences with a poetic flair that led to his first publication.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, author Marta Elva Gibbons of Matlacha, FL; two children, Jesse Daniel Gibbons (wife Nicole) and Jennifer Michael Gibbons of Gloucester, MA; one brother Robert Gibbons (wife Kathleen) of Colorado; and one grandson, Ethan Kevin Gibbons.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Michael Edward Gibbons are suggested to (1.) Florida Cancer Specialists, 1708 Cape Coral Pkwy West, Suite 10, Cape Coral, FL 33914 or (2.) Hope Hospice, 9470 Health Park Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33908.

Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.