It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick (Padraig) Gibbons, who passed away peacefully at home on May 7th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Patrick was born on December 11th 1945, in Feenone, County Mayo, Ireland, the beloved son of the late James and Nora Gibbons.
He is survived by his devoted wife, (Mary) Frances (née O’Sullivan), his daughter Rosaleen (Mark Sypher) of Springfield, VA; and sons Patrick Jr. (Margie) of Wayne, PA, James (Marcela) of Bryn Mawr, PA, Michael (Stacy) of Omaha, NE, and Brendan (Kate) of Devon, PA.
Known affectionately as GrandPat, he leaves behind thirteen beloved grandchildren whom he adored: Devlin and Annika Sypher; Emma, Austin, and Zoe Gibbons; Isabella, James, Patrick, and Eleanor Gibbons; Ally and Ethan Gibbons; and Annie and the late Thomas Patrick Gibbons.
Patrick was the loving brother of Mary Fletcher of Ardmore, PA, Sally Maloney of Ardmore, PA, Myles Gibbons of London, England, John Gibbons of Liverpool, England, Austin Gibbons of Victoria, Australia, James Gibbons of Ardmore, PA, Rita Rafferty of London, England, Therese Trainer of Bala Cynwyd, PA, and Gabriel Gibbons of Feenone, County Mayo, Ireland, and was predeceased by his brother Anthony Gibbons. He is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Patrick came to America in 1965 and first settled on Long Lane in Upper Darby, where he lived with his sisters Mary and Sally. He immediately started working with Joseph S. Mozino and Company, where he developed the skills that would shape his career. He started a small business building closets and stairs, but his true calling was in roofing. He later founded Gibbons Roofing & Siding, a business that served the community for many years.
Patrick met Frances, the love of his life, at the Shamrock Club in Upper Darby in 1967. They married in 1970 and moved to Church Road, Devon, PA and eventually Lowrys Lane, Rosemont, PA, where they built a home full of love, laughter, and hot tea—and more than a few hot roast beef sandwiches.
Patrick also had a passion for snowplowing, which he treated more like a hobby than a job. He also enjoyed playing poker and the Irish card game 25 with family and friends.
He especially loved walking with his grandchildren to the bridge to see the trolley or providing them with their first spoonful of mashed potatoes, ice cream, or Kit Kats. These were simple joys that brought him great happiness.
One of Patrick’s favorite holidays was the Fourth of July. The Garrett Hill Parade passed right by his house, and it became a beloved tradition for friends and family to gather there afterward- filling the yard with laughter, stories, and celebration. It became a Lowrys Lane tradition for 50 years.
Patrick was a devoted parishioner of St. Thomas of Villanova for over 50 years, where he served as an usher and volunteered in countless ways, including the St. Thomas Carnival and the Irish Night Celebration. He also gave generously of his time to the Holy Rosary Sisters, especially during their annual bazaar, where he volunteered for over 25 years.
At his Confirmation in Ireland, Patrick took the Pioneer pledge- a vow of lifelong abstinence from alcohol- as a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart. He was deeply proud to wear his gold pin, representing more than fifty years of commitment and faithful service.
Patrick will be remembered for his strong work ethic, deep faith, quiet generosity, and above all, the deep love he had for his family. He lived a life rooted in kindness, service, and integrity, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to the family, friends, neighbors, doctors, nurses, hospice, and priests who supported him during the last months of his life. We are eternally grateful.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday evening May 15th from 6:00-8:00 PM at McConaghy Funeral Home, 328 W. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, PA, 19003. On Friday May 16th there will be another Visitation from 9 to 9:45 AM immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Chapel, 1229 E. Lancaster Ave., Rosemont, PA.
Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Gulph Road and Matsonford Road, West Conshohocken, PA, immediately following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Patrick’s memory may be made to the Talk School. This school holds a special meaning to him as it is the school attended by his grandson James.
The Talk School, 6 Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, PA 19073. https://www.talkinc.org/
Link to view funeral Mass:
https://masslivestream.com/churches/stthomasvillanova#schedule
