Marc Norman Gibault

Marc was born on August 27th 1949 to Rachel and Paul Gibault (Gebo) in Burlington, Vermont. His father was in the military and they made their way to Florida where he attended Bishop Moore High School, Class of 1968.

He always made it a point to keep in touch with high school friends and would attend reunions regularly. During his Bishop Moore days, he played football but then embraced his musical talents and became a band member (likely the center of attention) and continued to drum on things for years to come.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1968, not waiting to be drafted, as the Vietnam War was escalating. Marc travelled the Pacific multiple times. On his 21st birthday, while in the Navy, Marc went on liberty excited to hit the bars but left his ID behind on board… No fun for Marc! He enjoyed anything nautical and always loved the opportunity to instruct people on knot tying or how engines work.

Marc attended the University of Central Florida where he was working towards a degree in business making great friends along the way. Many years later, he attended Rollins College to finish his Bachelor of Arts where he was the “grandpa” in his urban planning and development.

Marc always wanted a family and married Joyce and her daughter Christy. Juliette followed making them a family of four. A father’s love knows no bounds and Marc was always there with warm hugs and encouraging words. His affection and attentiveness came easily but could sometimes be so embarrassing you had to run and hide.

He took great pride in being part of the ballet world from crafting props to dancing on stage. He continued to be part of this world for years with the Orlando City Ballet and then Central Florida Ballet.

Marc was a devout church attendee and participant, from being a Eucharistic administrator to the arts and environment committee where his presence was always known. Marc was known for many of the seasons decorations at the church, including the large scale stained glass installations to the rainbow of tulle that cascaded through the air of the church. He used to read the stations of the cross every year as Barabbas to be able to work through the stresses and poor judgments of the previous year. Many people also know him from belting out loud notes as part of the choir and even from the pew that he always sat in.

He was today’s “Norm.” Everywhere he went, people knew who he was and knew where his “spot” was… from church to Johnny’s where he would drink coffee with honey or Friendly Confines where he would have an Irish coffee and a side of broccoli.

Marc had a gift for being able to talk to anyone about anything which led to his success in business, beginning with catering. His true talent was knowing how to fix almost anything and he was constantly planning for the next job. No job was ever too big and never too hard. He was the master chandelier hanger and mover of all things antique. He didn’t go anywhere without his moving blankets.

If he wasn’t on the road moving something to somewhere, then he was dancing. He loved making new friends, showing off new moves or just being a stand in for the class before his to help out. He never missed Dance USA or other events and loved dancing with a few favorites, but also with anyone who asked. Many knew of his yellow sequined shirt and over the top faces.

He joined the ski club to be able to travel and learn something new. A few ski lessons and a couple of “spills” later he decided to hang up the skis and switch over to the snow mobile. He loved this kind of adventure. The power of the snow mobile and the calmness of nature was always a source of relaxation for him… along with the hot tub.

Not only was he a great friend, but also an amazing family guy. Marc loved hosting Easter brunches with the family and making Thanksgiving memories. He was a good brother and tried to help where he could. He was an awesome father and grandfather. Silly voices and random advice were always on the agenda. He was forever a kid at heart, which is likely why everyone has at least one fond memory of him.

He is survived by his sister Marie Lorenzo, brother Gerard Gibault, along with his daughters Christina Balderson (Steve) and Juliette Lundy (Gregg) and grandsons Evan Balderson and Oliver Lundy.

He has joined his sisters Bernadette Fransisco and Denise Earley, and brother Andre Gibault, in heaven.

Marc is gone from our sight but never from our hearts.