Obituary of John Francis Giblin

STAMFORD, CT – John Francis Giblin, 84, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 4, 2023. He was the cherished husband of Marie (O'Callaghan) Giblin for 60 years.

John was born August 11, 1939 in Curraduff, County Galway, Ireland, the son of the late Martin and Margaret (Lohan) Giblin. He immigrated to the United States in 1957 at the age of 18, sponsored and helped by his aunt, Bea (Giblin) Devlin and his uncle, Patrick Logan. He joined the U.S. Army, serving overseas in Germany, and became a U.S. Citizen in 1963. Shortly thereafter, he met his wife, Marie, at the New York City's famed Irish dances, and they married in 1964. They lived on University Avenue in the Bronx and moved to Stony Point, NY in 1971 where they raised their four daughters.

A man of many accomplishments, John joined the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) in 1968, working in Engine Company 68 in the Bronx as a firefighter and then rising through the ranks as Lieutenant, Captain, and Battalion Chief. He finished his 26-year FDNY career in the Division for Training on Randall's Island, helping implement the first responder system in NYC. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and the FDNY Emerald Society.

A life-long learner, John earned his Associates in Applied Science Degree at Rockland Community College followed by his B.A. and M.P.A. at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. At age 46, John returned to school part-time while working full-time, and earned his Juris Doctorate at Brooklyn Law School, passing the New York State Bar Exam in 1990. He practiced as an attorney-at-law in Rockland County for many years. He was a parishioner at St. Gregory Barbarigo Church and was past President of the North Rockland Social Club.

John's life was marked by his hard work, dedication to public service, zeal for learning, passion for conversation, and enjoyment of engaged debate and politics. He will be remembered as someone who was quick with a laugh, enjoyed peoples' company and always generously helped a friend or family member in need. John was an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing in Florida as a member of Heritage Bay in Naples, Florida. In his younger years, he enjoyed hurling and Gaelic football. He lived life to the fullest and will be dearly missed.

Left to cherish his memory and honor his love and legacy are his wife Marie (O'Callaghan) Giblin, his four daughters and their beloved spouses and partners: Mary Mirabella (John) of Goshen, NY, Caroline Dudman (Mark Fermanian) of Ayers, MA, Deirdre Giblin  (David DuBard) of Winchester, MA and Tara Giblin (Tad Nygren) of Darien CT. John and Marie were blessed with 7 cherished grandchildren: Kiersten Patricia, Brendan John, Maire Claire, Sophie Grace, Sarah Margaret, Teagan Grace and Liam Michael.

As the third oldest of ten siblings, with his older brother Michael predeceasing him, John leaves eight beloved brothers and sisters, and their spouses: in New York, Mary Fahy (Tom) and Irene Ricardo (Henry); and in Ireland, Brigid Kelly, Joe (Bernadette) Giblin, Margaret Ryan, Matt (Mary) Giblin, Mark (Nora) Giblin, and Ann (Matt) Lohan. Preceded in death by 3 precious nephews, John leaves behind 35 treasured nieces and nephews, and dozens of dear cousins across Ireland, America and beyond.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 5-8 PM at the Lawrence Funeral Home at 2119 Boston Post Road, Darien CT. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas More Church, Darien, CT with interment to follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, 124 Rock Rimmond, Stamford, CT. Funeral mass is available to view online at: John Francis Giblin Funeral Mass  

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Children's Cancer Fund of NY at Children's Cancer Fund of NY