David Ellis Gibbs

David Ellis Gibbs, 77 January 14, 1948 – June 18, 2025

David Ellis Gibbs, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025, in Worcester, Massachusetts, at the age of 77.

Dave was a lifelong educator, mentor, and source of steady strength to those around him. A proud graduate of Millbury Memorial High School and Springfield College, he later earned his Master’s in Education from Cambridge College.

Dave dedicated his entire career to Medfield High School as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He poured his heart into helping students and student-athletes grow both on and off the court. When his sons reached varsity level, Dave took on coaching at Bellingham High School, where he made lasting memories with them and his teams. He was honored with induction into both the Bellingham High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Medfield High School Wall of Fame—testaments to his lifelong dedication and impact in education and athletics.

Dave was passionate about basketball and devoted countless hours to the sport as a coach, mentor, and fan. He also had a deep love of waterskiing—which he pursued passionately into his 70s. He was most at home at “Pops’ Paradise,” his lakefront home surrounded by family, grandchildren, and friends. He was an active and dedicated member of the Lake Maspenock Preservation Association, serving for many years as its President. In a testament to his lasting influence, the LMPA recently created the David Gibbs Award for Outstanding Service and Dedication, which he proudly received shortly before his passing.

Dave is survived by his wife of 55 years, Charlotte Ann Gibbs; his son Michael Gibbs of Upton, MA, Michael’s daughters Jessica and Rachael, and their mother Lisa; his son Matthew Gibbs of Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, Matthew’s wife Pamela, and their children Tucker and Lana. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Shirley Gibbs. He is also survived by his brother Paul and his wife Gudrun, his sister Joan Arcouette and her partner William Dion. Dave cherished his many nieces and nephews and also held deep affection for his extended Hamilton family, who enriched his life in countless ways . Finn, the canine companion who quietly won his heart, held a special place in his life.

He lived by the phrase: “You know you’ve had a good day when you’ve done something to brighten someone else’s day.”

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 12:00–3:00 PM at Highfields Golf and Country Club in Grafton, MA, with remarks beginning at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s memory to the CAMK2 Therapeutics Network in honor of his granddaughter Lana and all those affected by CAMK2-related neuro-genetic disorders: https://www.camk2.org/