Robert P Gibson

Robert P. Gibson, 102, of Hampton, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026 surrounded by family and friends. Born on September 4, 1923, on the front porch of his mother’s home on Main Street in Hampton, he lived a life defined by service, duty, and devotion to his community and country.

Before completing his senior year of high school, Bob or Gibby, was drafted into the United States Army in March 1943. His father later accepted his diploma on his behalf while Bob was already serving overseas. He completed basic training at Camp Davis, North Carolina, and was assigned to the 116th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Battery A. In October 1943, he sailed aboard Queen Elizabeth to Great Britain, where he trained as an M4 High-Speed Tractor driver preparing 90mm anti-aircraft guns for combat.

On June 6, 1944—D-Day—Bob landed in the second wave at Utah Beach with the 1st Army. He never forgot the sight of fallen American soldiers in the surf as he maneuvered his tractor through the chaos of battle. Despite arriving after the initial assault troops, the danger remained extreme, and two members of his battery were killed shortly afterward by artillery fire. Bob continued to serve through Normandy, into France, and ultimately into Germany. During the Battle of the Bulge, his unit’s mission shifted from defending against aircraft to engaging German tanks and armored vehicles. He later crossed the Rhine River with advancing Allied forces and remained in Europe until Germany’s surrender in May 1945. Bob was honorably discharged on December 6, 1945.

After the war, Bob returned home to Hampton and immediately placed his energy into community service. He joined the Hampton Fire Company in 1949 and went on to serve as Fire Chief in 1957 and 1958. His dedication extended beyond the firehouse. He was also an associate member of the Washington Borough Fire Department. Bob served as a Councilman in the Borough of Hampton from 1954 to 1965 and as Mayor from 1966 to 1971, helping guide his hometown during a period of growth and transition.

Bob was a devoted husband to Arlene Gibson for 43 years and then Bette Gibson for 28 years, both predeceased him. He is also survived by his cousins, James Gibson (Jill), Jennifer Jones (John III) and Jullie Hall (Jason) and his stepchildren, Dawn and Susan Stone.

Bob was a humble and steadfast man who carried the weight of his wartime experiences with quiet strength, compassion, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. His plain talk and kindness made him adored and respected by his brother firefighters.

Later in life, Bob spoke to students about serving in World War II and the challenges of war. He returned to France and multiple occasion to visit Normandy and the graves of his fellow soldiers. He and his fellow veterans were always greeted as heroes by his French hosts. Bob would often conclude any remarks about the war by say “we did it for you so don’t screw it up!”

Bob’s passing closes a chapter of living history, but the example he set will endure for generations. He showed what it means to stand firm in the face of fear, to serve without seeking recognition, and to live each day with purpose and humility. As we say goodbye, we honor not only the remarkable things he accomplished, but the man he was—a loyal husband, a steadfast friend, a dedicated firefighter, a devoted public servant, and a humble hero. His legacy lives on in the community he cherished, in the freedoms he fought to protect, and in the countless lives he touched simply by being Bob Gibson.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Saturday January 17, 2026 from 10 AM-12 PM at the Faith Discovery Church. 33 Brass Castle Rd. Washington, NJ 07882. A funeral service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 12:00 PM at the church. Interment will follow at Musconetcong Valley Cemetery in Hampton. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Hampton Fire Department OR Hunterdon Hospice.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.WarrenHills MemorialHome.com