Obituary of William L. Gibson Jr.

William L. Gibson, Jr., age 87, passed away at home after a long illness. Bill was the beloved husband of Mary Burchill Gibson, father of Richard (Liza) Gibson and Laura (Christopher) Weber; grandfather of Liam (Francesca Cusumano), Brendan, and Nora Gibson and Ellen (Matthew) Heilman and Riley Weber; and great-grandfather of Lucas Heilman. He was beloved by Mary's siblings and their families: Patricia Burchill (Sue Sands), Joan Hartman of blessed memory (Kevin), Barbara Ziska (Robert), Rick Burchill (Annette Bakic), Kathryn Reale (Carmen), and Lee Tokos (Dawn Brunza). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews of whom he was very fond. Bill was born on February 23, 1937, in Johnson City, New York, the son of William and Carrie Gibson. He was brother to Mary Anna Coles (Rod) of blessed memory. After graduating from Johnson City High School, Bill graduated from Fordham University. He was a member of the ROTC and received a reserve officer's commission in the United States Army. Returning home to Johnson City from college and army officer's basic training, he joined his father as a principal in the Gibson and Gibson Printing Company. He was also a member of the Army National Guard attaining the rank of captain. Bill met the love of his life, Mary, whom he married in 1964. In the late 1970's Bill sold the printing business and attended law school in New Hampshire. After graduating, he returned to Johnson City and commenced practicing law, first in private practice and as Village Attorney for Johnson City and later as County Attorney and Special Counsel for Broome County. He loved being a lawyer, mentoring younger attorneys, and representing the people of Broome County. After "retiring" he continued to serve others as a pro bono lawyer with the Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York. In 2015, Bill received the prestigious President's Pro Bono Service Award from the New York State Bar Association. Motivated by faith, family, and a strong sense of community, he used his considerable talents to help others, particularly those less fortunate. Bill was a devout and active member of St. James Parish, volunteering over the years as director of the choir, religious education instructor, member of the parish council, trustee, and legal counsel. Over the years Bill held leadership positions in the Johnson City Rotary Club, Johnson City Public Library, and Serving the Elderly through Project Planning (SEPP). Bill also served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations including the Broome County Urban League, the Broome County Y.M.C.A., and Crime Victims Assistance Center. Bill loved to travel, visit with his grandchildren, cook, and share dinner with friends. He had a wonderful intellectual curiosity and never stopped trying to learn new things. Bill's life was a testament to the power of love and selflessness. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. James Church, Main Street, Johnson City, Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at St. James Church, Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Donations in Bill's memory can be made to St. James Church and/or Rock Steady Boxing (Punch Out Parkinsons), 709 Conklin Road, Binghamton, New York 13903, www.rocksteadysoutherntierny.com.