Obituary of Robert A. Gibbs

Of Horseheads, NY. He was born August 8, 1936 in Penn Yan, the son of the late Lyman and Cathleen Gibbs, and passed away peacefully at home on August 5th, 2019, a few days short of his 83rd birthday. In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his son Brian, and his brother Lyman “Skip”. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years; their children, James (Wendy), John (Mary), Bruce (Michelle) and Gary; brother, Rich (Mary); along with his grandchildren, one niece, and many nephews. Robert was an Eagle Scout with 2 Palms and was active for over 3 decades; many of those years were spent with Troop 87 in Big Flats. He graduated Bucknell University with degrees in chemistry, math, and chemical engineering. His working career was spent entirely with Corning Glass Works, where he was honored as an Engineering Associate. He travelled regularly to plants in Argentina, Brazil, and Hungary along with several Corning plants in the US. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was the development of the melting process for the production of Corelle Ware. Robert was a member of the NYS Master Forest Owners and the New York Forest Owners Association; he was a Past President of the Big Flats Little League, Big Flats Historical Society, and the Big Flats Rotary Club. He held a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing, enjoying annual trips to Cobb’s Camp on Pierce Pond in Maine and supported the Maine Wildness Trust. He loved to visit with anyone whose path he crossed and was known to drive many miles for a meal at some rural diner. Private services have been arranged; Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Big Flats Historical Society, 258 Hibbard Rd, Big Flats, NY 14814 Big Flats Library, 78 Canal St, Big Flats, NY 14814 Boy Scouts of America; Troop 87, via recyclable bottles dropped off to the Big Flats First Presbyterian Church. 95 Main St, Big Flats, NY 14814 The Big Flats Fire Department, 505 Maple St, Big Flats, NY 14814