Richard H. Gibb
Richard “Dick” Gibb, 90, of Portland, died peacefully on Wednesday May 19, 2021, at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. Richard was Born on February 16, 1931, in Portland to Alexander and Evelyn Gibb. He grew up on Neil St. and later Wellington Rd where he attended Portland schools and was a graduate of Deering High School.
Richard enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and served honorably from 1951-1954. He was assigned to Aircraft Development Squadron Three (VX-3) at NAS Atlantic City and later Airborne Early Warning Squadron Two (VW-2) Det. A at NAF Port Lyautey, Morocco. During his naval career he was a qualified plane captain on the Beechcraft SNB, Vought F-4U-5 Corsair, and AD-1 Skyraider. He served aboard numerous aircraft carriers in the Atlantic Fleet and on February 16, 1953, his Skyraider made the 50,000 landing aboard the USS Coral Sea where he and his pilot were recognized by Captain H.D. Riley, USN for their efforts.
Following his naval career Richard spent four years living in the Los Angeles, CA area where he worked for the Douglas Aircraft Company at Clover Field in Santa Monica. During his time at Douglas, he worked on the assembly line testing fuel tanks for the Thor Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile. After his stint at Douglas, Richard decided to return home to Portland where he would start his career in the printing business for Portland Lithograph and later as a camera operator for Maine Printing until his retirement.
Richard was an avid bowler, photographer, and modeler. He was a huge WWII history buff and loved everything transportation especially aviation. Although he had many interests spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, was his favorite pastime. He loved to laugh, he loved telling bad jokes, and he loved to be goofy. His dry sense of humor and easy-going style made him a joy to be around and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janet Gibb (Houston) of Portland; sons Ian Gibb and his wife Erica of Brentwood, NH and Noah Gibb and his wife Becky Curit of Freeport; Grandchildren Kelly and Tyler Gibb; sister Elaine Dugas of Yarmouth; and nephews Scott, Alan, and Bobby Dugas all of Yarmouth.
A Graveside service with Military Honors will be held at 11 am on Friday June 11, 2021 at Brooklawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Southern Maine 390 US Route One Scarborough, ME 04074, or given online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/give
Online condolences may be expressed below.
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