John L. Bibbo, Sr. 1925-2009

John L. Bibbo Sr. 84 years, of Whitman formerly of Brockton died Wednesday August 12, 2009 at Caritas Good Samaritan Medical Center after a period of failing health. He was the loving husband for 63 years of Thelma L. (Pokraka) Bibbo. He was born and raised in Brockton a son of the late Nicholas and Carmela (DePasquale) Bibbo. During WWII John left Brockton High School to enlist in the US Navy. He served in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS DeHaven DD-469 and USS Princeton both of which were torpedoed and sank with the loss of many lives.

In 1985 John retired after many years of service with the Federal Government. He had worked as a real estate appraiser and negotiator with the National Park Service and had been responsible for securing the land for the Cape Cod National Seashore Park. While living in Naples, Florida he held the same position for the State of Florida Parks Department for 10 years. In 2003 John and his wife returned to the Brockton area living in Whitman.

John was a member of VFW Post 697, Whitman and member and past president of the Bertocci Club. He loved golfing, bowling, playing cards and also gardening and sports. He especially enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife John is survived by his children Michelle Grady and her husband James of Onset and John L. Bibbo, Jr. of Whitman. He was the grandfather of Michael and Susan Leary of Canton; Nicole and Jonathan Dana of Norwood, John and Kerri Leary of Whitman, John L. Bibbo, III of Hawaii, Sara Bibbo of Florida and Jackie and Scott Paladino of Florida. He also leaves 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Frances (Bibbo) Moses of Brockton and the late Dominic and Michael Bibbo and Gloria (Bibbo) Albanese. He also leaves his best friend Bert Guaraldi of S. Easton

His ashes were scattered at sea. Donations may be made in memory of John to the Charity Guild, Inc. Food Pantry, P.O. Box 2372, Brockton, MA 02305.