Dr. Robert A. Gibbs

Robert Anthony Gibbs, 93, Crane School of Music professor emeritus, passed away peacefully with family by his side on July 6, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Born September 25, 1931 in Utica, New York to Katherine and Raymond Gibbs, Bob developed a love of music at an early age. He attended Holland Patent high school, and later the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. After a short stint in the Army where Bob served as a high-speed radio operator in Germany, he then met the love of his life, Susan Gray, a beautiful, young school teacher who had just moved to Potsdam. Bob and Sue were married in Mexico, New York on July 20, 1963. A few years following, and with 3 young kids in tow, Bob earned his Doctorate degree in Music Education from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He returned to Potsdam and taught at the Crane School until his retirement in 1999. An approachable, beloved professor, “Doc Gibbs” was well known for his open-door policy, cardigan sweaters, ability to scat in Solfege, and numerous student barbecues at his home on River Road.

One of the highlights of Bob’s career was coordinating the participation of the Crane School in the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Under Bob’s supervision, every award ceremony included a live band performing the various national anthems, often in below-freezing temperatures. Bob was later honored by the Crane School with the Minerva Award for outstanding lifetime professional achievement.

Bob was an avid skier and tennis player, baseball fan, and an expert conversationalist. After retirement, he dedicated his time to giving back to his community, organizing fundraisers for Habitat for Humanity and playing Christmas carols on his trumpet for the Salvation Army Red Bucket Brigade. However, nothing gave Bob more joy than being with his family, especially at his camp on Tupper Lake, his true happy place. He was well known for his nightly playing of Taps on the dock while surrounded by his kids and grandkids, and his early morning rowing sessions on Simond Pond. He absolutely adored his family, and even occasionally let them win a round of Hearts.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Mary Catherine Gibbs Hobbs, his brother Frederick and sister-in-law, Stelle, his niece Karen Gibbs, and his parents, Katherine and Raymond.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 62 years, Susan; sons David (Gillian Vigman) and Joseph; daughter Margaret (Bill Warren); son-in-law, Thomas Hobbs (Jani); grandchildren Grace Hobbs Zanotti(Eric), Amanda Burns, Caitlin Goolden, Rob (Michaela), Charlie & Jack Warren, Ben & Katie Gibbs, Thomas Hobbs (Carlie), Michael Hobbs (Izzy); and his great-grandchildren, Emmalyn & Cullen Silsby, Julian Early, and Christopher Early.

Garner Funeral Services will host visitation on Sunday, July 13, from 5-6pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Potsdam on Monday, July 14 at 10:00am, followed by a reception at SUNY Potsdam (exact location will be provided). A private burial for family will be held at Olden Barneveld Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Country Habitat for Humanity.

Condolences may be sent to the Gibbs family at www.garnerfh.com.

The Gibbs family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the angels at Precious Hospice and the entire staff at the Terraces at Peachtree Hills Place, for the graceful and tender care they have shown Bob and Sue this last year.