Anthony (Leroy) Gibbons

Anthony Leroy Gibbons, 94, of Hawley, died on Friday, December 16, 2016 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Gladys Rollison. The couple married on April 18, 1953.

Born on October 22, 1922 at the family home in Palmyra Township, he was the son of the late Miles and Ida Kittner Gibbons. He was a graduate of Honesdale Catholic High School.

Leroy was a US Army veteran of World War II. A POW and Purple Heart recipient, he was captured during the Battle of the Bulge. He was able to escape after being a prisoner for 10 months.

After returning from the war, Leroy and his brother owned and operated an auto mechanic garage. Later he was the service manager at Corners Garage in Indian Orchard. He also was a prison guard for the Wayne County Sheriffs Department. Before his retirement at the age of 90, Leroy was a warehouse manager at Cove Haven Resort.

An avid hunter, he was a founding member of the Riverdale Rod and Gun Club and the White Mills Fire Co.. An advocate for Veteran Affairs, he was also a member of the American Legion in Hawley. He was also a faithful member of Queen of Peace Parish in Hawley.

Leroy loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Also surviving is his son Mike Gibbons of Lakeville; his sister Audry Bea of Hawley; granddaughters Sarah Mayer, Christine Haggerty, Mary Edwards, Cecilia Carter, Margaret Mlinek and Veronica Gibbons; 14 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by brothers Ambrose Gibbons and John Gibbons and 2 infant sisters.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 21st at Queen of Peace Church in Hawley. Interment with military honors will follow in Indian Orchard Cemetery. Friends may visit Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale on Tuesday, 4 to 7.