Gary Tibbetts

Gary Joseph Tibbetts, 81, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Gary was born on February 25, 1942 in Skowhegan, the son of Blaine J. and Jeanette C. (Hilton) Tibbetts.

Gary graduated from Bingham High School and then continued his education at the University of Maine Orono where he obtained his B.S. in Mathematics while participating in the ROTC program. After proudly serving as an officer in the US Army, Gary began his illustrious 42 year career as a teacher at Hampden Academy. He became the Math Department Head after obtaining his Masters in Education through night classes at UM Orono. Throughout his career, he touched countless students’ lives in the work that he did and inspired students to do their best. He was a great influence on his students with his positive spirit, gentle approach, and caring personality. He made each student feel important and always made time for them. He also gained a wonderful circle of friends within many of the faculty at HA and treasured these friendships. Gary’s devotion to his students was also evident in his work as a math teacher and counselor at Camp Waya Awi in Rangeley where his family spent many summers. His love for mathematics was often displayed in the work he did with his students. He was always available to help students as a tutor when needed, at no cost of course.


Gary's priority was being a devoted and loving grandfather, father and husband. You could often find Gary watching his grandchildren playing sports or performing whenever possible. His love of sports came next. He enjoyed watching his beloved Boston Red Sox and always looked forward to NCAA March Madness. When not watching sports, you would find him on the green. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Hampden Country Club. He was also a long-time communicant of St. Matthew’s Church in Hampden and served the church for many years. His caring and giving manner was felt by many.


Gary is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Bette (Littlefield) Tibbetts who he adored; two sons, Christopher M. Tibbetts and wife Julie of Brewer, Kevin J. Tibbetts of Billerica, MA; five grandchildren, Noah, Cassie, Gabe, Kyle, and Jacoby; two sisters-in-law, Michelle Priest and Violet Tibbetts and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his golfing buddy, Don Veneziano and special friends, Richard and Judy Fernald. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his brother, Mike and his nephew, Danny.

Friends and family are welcome to call from 3:00-5:00 PM, Sunday, August, 13, 2023 at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Chapel of Brookings-Smith, 45 Western Avenue, Hampden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, August 14, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 70 Western Avenue, Hampden, followed by the Rite of Committal at Lakeview Cemetery, Hampden. Gifts in his memory may be made to the Bangor Humane Society, 693 Mt. Hope Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at BrookingsSmith.com