In the last year I got very very close with Mr Gibbons son Tommy. Being so close to Tommy it really shook me when I learned Mr gibbons had passed. For most of my life and sports career Mr Gibbons has coached me in basketball and baseball. He has always had a smile on his face and been one of the happiest guys I know. He always made sure you were doing ok and trying to push you to be the best you can be. His last year as our coach we won the 8th grade basketball championship. You could tell it meant so much to him so see us win and for him to coach us to this win. I would like to say thank you Mr Gibbons for always being there to coach, teach, and help me and all my friends grow to be better men.

A couple years ago I had Tommy and a couple of my friends over for my birthday and Tommy and Mr. Gibbons said they had a surprise present for me at one point. a couple months went by and I hadn't gotten the present so I got a little confused but I wasn’t angry or even really cared if they got me a present because thats not what it was about. I asked tommy about it and the next day Mr. Gibbons dropped it off for me. Since he knew I played the drums he got me a cowbell because it was the only thing I didn’t have on the kit. Ive been using it ever since. Its the little things that matter for me and that was something that made my day. We all love you Mr. Gibbons fly high coach.

So sorry Sue for your huge loss.  My heart goes out to you and your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers.  Peace to you. 
Love,
Anne Marie Gregg

February 18, 2019
Always singing a tune. 
Aerosmith's Rockin' Rollercoaster. 
Getting Riley on with double sneakers and a high bun. 🙌🏻

I am so sadden about my childhood friend that I went to grammar school with St Joan of Arc in the 80s he was a great friend a great person always smiling always laughing I knew his whole entire family he would definitely be missed I hope it will be looking down on us and watching guys and looking over us guiding us your friends your family your beautiful kids your beautiful wife your mom your dad your siblings your sisters God bless you and your family my name is Grace Cosentino

This photo was taken on June 14, 2018 outside of St Patrick’s Cathedral after the Xavier Graduation. My son Frank LaFerlita (3rd from the left in the back) and friends celebratory cigar with Mr. Gibbons 🛡️⚔️ #menforothers

Many years ago when Tom was in elementary school I had the honor of working with him at our Vacation Day Camp at IS 145 in Jackson Heights. When Tom would get in the batter’s box during our daily wiffle ball games, he was introduced as MILITARY TOM. Prior to the pitch every player on ‘both’ teams would salute Tommy. 
More often than not Tommy would drive the ball of the gym wall for an extra base hit. He was a young diamond in the rough back then. As his family and friends know, that diamond has not lost its resilience. 
YEARS LATER, I was extremely happy to learn that Tom and our daughter would work as colleagues in Xavier HS. 
May God continue to Bless Tom and his family. Tom, we ALL SALUTE YOU.

Deepest condolonces from Tom's friends at PRE Football.  As an announcer, Tom brought the games to life, no matter the age of the players.  We appreciate his commitment over the years, the boys and parents loved havimg him behind the mic.     You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks.  - PRE Football

Mr Gibbons was a great man, made an impact on so many kids. I’ll never forget walking into Xavier High-school as a freshman 14 year old and meeting Mr Gibbons, he was genuinely a great guy.  May he rest in peace.

I was suspended my first month as a student at Xavier. Mr. Gibbons' job was to stand by my punishment and rightfully so. It was / is the Dean of Students job to a certain extent to scare students into following the rules.... or that is how we initially perceived Mr. Gibbons. After my suspension I almost changed schools, but it was only after a candid and honest conversation with Mr. Gibbons that it became clear why he was there - to teach and to help me (and other students) grow. I ultimately stayed almost entirely due to his mentorship and assurances, and I attribute a big turning point in my life to him for that.

For years after graduating, I used to go to Xavier sports games hoping to see Mr. Gibbons to chat and catch up - it was always the highlight of my day. I wish I could begin to explain the number of group chats that I have been added to of heartbroken Xavier alumni. The sheer number of people he touched is beyond words. He will be truly, deeply missed by so many.

Sue and Family,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I was one of the countless numbers of people whose life was made appreciably better for having known Tom. Such a huge loss, but the magnitude of the loss is a testament to the profound and lasting impact he had on this world.

Sincerely,
Matt Wilson

I got to travel with Tom on a few trips with the Jesuit HS College Counselors...such a nice guy. God bless his family and his students.

Coach gibbons was not just a basketball coach he was a change in my life, taught me lots of life lessons. Such as never giving up before that clock hits zero, he was one of the most inspiring people i have ever met in my life. This picture above shows how tough and brave and how motivated this guy was. In this photo it might just look like a basketball team that won the championship, but no. It was our 8th grade and last year of playing basketball together and we have been chasing to win a championship ever since 3rd grade. This was the last ride and basketball season was around the corner I couldn’t be more excited. Then I was told that it could be possible that Mr. Gibbons wouldn’t be able to coach all the time because of his sickness. I could not believe it, I was so upset.  This shows how determined brave he was he never missed one game one practice nothing he was always there and without him we do not win this at all. It was amazing I remember in the Semi Finals we were down the whole game. Our team was falling apart, he was the guy holding us together and we end up winni by the game and then absolutley destroying in the championship. Thank you Coach Gibbons you have changed my life forever I love you coach. ♥️

Tom epitomized kindness, strength and enthusiasm in everything he did or was. I would see him often during the years coaching on the court or cheering from the sidelines, with fairness and humor. As grandma of boys who are friends with his own two great young men, I could see clearly his fierce love of, not only his own family but of all the Emerson families that he touched. 

He might have remained just a wonderful friend of my daughter and son-in-law,, someone I would just greet at events, if not for something he did for me personally which touched my heart and will remain there forever.. When my husband, a very proud Xavier graduate, died suddenly 10 years ago, Tom showed amazing generously and great sensitivity. Having found out that Xavier accepted clothing to help struggling men begin careers, I asked him what the procedure was.  He then not only gently retrieved them from me but sent me a picture of how his students sensitively received them for distribution. 

I never forgot that kindness, only one of so many gifted to all lucky enough to know him. I will remember his ready smile, compassion, bigger than life personality and how both my own husband and he exemplified the Xavier motto to be a 'man for others'.

Mr. Gibbons was a great man, and his impact to his family and the men of Xavier and those that new him, will be everlasting. Rest in Peace Mr. Gibbons.

Our deepest condolences. Tom is a light and so is your whole family . We will always keep close to our hearts our last Disney conversation… Guardians of the Galaxy top songs .
Love and peace to you all ,
Your fellow Emersonian and DVC members,
The Velez Family - Frank , Michele , Christian , and Alexander

To the Family and Loved Ones of Mr. Gibbons,

Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.

Mr. Gibbons was more than just my college guidance counselor—he was the one person who believed in me when few others did. He had a rare gift: the ability to light up a room and lift spirits, even on the hardest days. I’ll never forget sitting in his office, telling him I wanted to apply to West Point. It was a long shot—many told me it was out of reach—but not Mr. Gibbons. He believed in me wholeheartedly. He guided me through the process, helped shape my application, and stood by me every step of the way. It’s because of him that I made it to West Point.

I moved to the United States from the UK in 2016, unfamiliar with the system and the culture. Mr. Gibbons was one of the first people to welcome me, to believe in my potential, and to help me find my footing. His support and encouragement played a pivotal role in my journey—and yesterday, as I graduated from West Point, I found myself thinking of him, grateful beyond words.

Mr. Gibbons truly lived the Jesuit ideal of being a “man for others.” His legacy is woven into the very fabric of Xavier. He didn’t just work there—he was Xavier. He lived, breathed, and bled maroon and blue. The culture he cultivated, the lives he touched, the values he instilled—these will endure far beyond his years.

To his family, please know how deeply he impacted my life and the lives of so many others. I am a better man, officer, and person because of him. I will carry his example with me always.

Rest in peace, sir. Until we meet again.

William Laino, Xavier Class of 2020

Mr. Gibbons and I got close as most of us did in his early time at Xavier, when we got into trouble. He treated us fairly and when we behaved he was like a best friend, when we messed up he was stern especially when we didn’t want to listen. 

Being able to see him become a guidance counselor and later a college counselor during my years was truly an awesome. He loved Xavier and loved doing what we did. While he was a fine Dean, he was best at helping us as we struggled through life issues and later decisions of what to do with our lives. 

Seeing him at Beefsteaks and having him seek me out to talk to me was always an awesome feeling. The fact that he actually remembered me through all those years really made me appreciate just how much he truly cared about each and every one of us. 

You will be missed Mr. G, but you will continue to live through each one of us as we live our lives. You helped us become Men for Others!

My condolences for your family. 

I had the privilege of knowing Tom as a kid. His brother Tim and I were friends and classmates in elementary school. Tom looked out for us and always made sure my sisters and I were doing well when we went to Xavier dances as high schoolers. Always a big brother ❤️
He had the biggest and most caring heart.

You will be missed. Much love for you and your family.

Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing home to God of Tom.  May our kind Lord welcome him into the kingdom where joy never ends!

I will offer Mass for him and your family.

God’s blessings, 

Fr. Brendan Lally, S. J.

This picture perfectly captures what Tom meant  to our families. His warm smile and constant words of encouragement touched so many lives, especially my son’s. Tom had this incredible gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and truly special.

He wasn’t just there for his own children — he showed up for all their friends, and even their siblings. When my daughter was facing the challenges of college applications, Tom stepped in with guidance, reassurance, and wisdom. He was truly a Godsend during a time we needed it most.

The hole he leaves in our hearts is deep and hard to put into words. But we feel incredibly grateful that we had the chance to know him. Tom’s kindness, generosity, and light will never be forgotten.

OBITUARY

Thomas J. Gibbons

September 6, 1974 – May 25, 2025

Becker Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Visitation

Funeral Mass

Funeral