Anthony Gibalerio Jr.
Date of Passing:
Gibalerio, Anthony “Tony”, Jr., 95, of Barrington Court, Riverside, died peacefully on March 5, 2024 at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice & Palliative Care Center, Providence, surrounded by his devoted and loving family. He was the husband of the late Catherine E. “Bette” (Leonard) Gibalerio.
Born in Providence, a son of the late Anthony and Amelia (Conca) Gibalerio, he lived in Riverside for 64 years. He was a communicant of St. Brendan Church.
Tony was a 1946 graduate of LaSalle Academy and a 1950 graduate of Providence College. He also earned two degrees from Rhode Island College, one in Elementary Education and one in Elementary Administration. He was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict.
Tony began teaching sixth grade for the East Providence School Department, where he met his beloved wife, Bette, also a sixth grade teacher. He later served as Principal of several East Providence elementary schools, often two schools at a time, including Platt-Watters and Meadowcrest in Riverside. Tony retired in 1986.
Tony enjoyed gardening, music: especially 1940’s crooners – Frank Sinatra was a favorite, cooking, oil painting, bowling, working as a starter at Silver Spring Golf Course, spending time with family, friends, neighbors, and dogs, and cheering for the New York Yankees over the last 88 years.
He is survived by his children, Kathryn Gibalerio and husband Walter Foster, Peter Gibalerio and wife Diane Gibalerio, and Lisa Gibalerio and husband Kevin Cunningham. He is also survived by his grandchildren – “Papa’s Nine” – Katherine, Emily, and Jack Foster; Michael, with whom Papa lived, Kyle, and Danielle Gibalerio; Benjamin, Julia, and Christina Cunningham; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Marie Sauriol.
Tony lived a long and vibrant life. His family would like to acknowledge and thank the village of neighbors, family, and friends who enriched and supported him, especially in his later years.
His funeral will be held on Monday March 11, 2024 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Tony’s memory to Hope Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02904 would be deeply appreciated.
Kathy and family,
On behalf of myself and the entire Class of EPHS CLASS 1979; our deepest sympathy and condolences to you all.
I first met dad when he was a principal at Tristan Burgess School. My sister was a student then.
He’s now at rest. God Bless
I was one of the kindergarten teachers at Watters School and Tony was the principal. He was one of the best. He had a very sharp wit and he kept us laughing .My deepest condolences to his family. Rest in Peace,Tony.
So sorry to read about Tony’s passing I had the privilege of being his caregiver for the past 8 months we had many great conversations about his childhood his children & grandchildren- whom he loved dearly I was so happy that we formed a friendship he was truly a gentleman
I also had Mr. G for 6th grade at Platt School. He had the unique ability to make school fun and challenge each student in a positive and motivating manner. Some of my fondest school memories are from his class. RIP Mr. G.
I had Mr. G. as a 6th grade teacher at Platt School. He was such a wonderful teacher. I remember him letting some of us girls eat lunch in the classroom. He was always there for us and at recess, I was able to hit a triple off of him. He was an inspiration for me to go into teaching and when he was principal, I loved subbing for him. Once in awhile I would see him at Shaw’s and he always spent time talking to me. Thanks, Mr. G.!
Mr. Gibalerio was my sixth grade teacher in the mid 60s at Platt Elementary. It was one of the more difficult years of my life as my mother was dying of cancer and I was struggling with some classmates. Mr. Gibalerio helped me greatly getting through it and helped me towards an upward life trajectory including graduating from an Ivy League college and building a successful business. He made a difference in many students lives including mine….especially mine.
Lisa and family,
We lived on Barrington Court near Tony for several years. Tony was always a great conversationalist and always had a treat for our dogs. He frequently talked shop with Brian, a fellow teacher. My heart goes out to all of you because I know you are heartbroken and will miss him so much. Thinking of you all and may his memory be a blessing. Naomi Nulman Souliere and Brian Souliere
Sonny was one of my favorite cousins as a child to adulthood. As a child, I lived with Sonny, his parents and his sister, Marie, for awhile as my mom was seriously ill. I have been told I was somewhat of a “pest” sneaking into his room and messy up his college papers on his desk. Never was he angry with me. We shared family dinners together as I am Lisa’s godmother. My husband, Frank, was beginning his teaching career and Sonny shared invaluable words of wisdom with him over the years. He was a patient, wise, and compassionate man who was admired and loved by many.
I was just talking about Tony the other day as I am doing a long-term sub position at Meadowcrest. I began my career teaching at Meadowcrest under Tony. I am so sad to hear this news.
Deepest condolences to the entire family. I can’t imagine how much you all will miss your father, father-in-law and grandfather – I know you will always carry his love, fun and joy for life in your hearts. With deepest sympathies, Eleanor (Kate’s friend from college)
I WORKED AS TONY’S CERK WHEN HE WAS PRINCIPAL OF BOTH TRISTAM BURGES & HENNESSEY SCHOOLS. HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST! BESIDES BEING A SCHOOL PRINCIPAL HE WAS ONE OF THE FOUNDING DIRECTORS OF THE TEACHERS CREDIT UNION WHICH STANDS ON THE GROUNDS OF THE FORMER TRISTAM BURGES SCHOOL. KIDS, DOGS AND PEOPLE ALL LOVED HIM. YOU CAN’T BEA T THOSE LASALLE AND PC GUYS-LOVE THEM FOREVER. SO SORRY KIDS.
Mr. Gilbalerio was principal of Carlton Avenue School in the early ‘70’s when I was a student there. He was a good leader and kept us in line!! May he rest in peace!
I have many wonderful memories of my cousin Sunny. We called him Sunny but no one seems to know why. I always thought it was because of his great sense of humor. I looked up to him because he was the first family member, I remember, who went to college.I remember him getting my brother and I great summer jobs as camp counselors when we were in college. I remembered debating with him over Red Sox/Yankees. I remember driving him to a family wedding and getting very lost. Many good memories. My one regret is not spending more time with him.
Peter, I’m so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. You and your entire family will be in my thoughts snd prayers. God Bless you Barbara Castore
They lived and loved and laughed and left (James Joyce)
Now I know where Kate got her beautiful eyes…so sorry Kate and Walter. So painful to lose a parent. Sending hugs.
I’m so sorry to learn of Tony’s death. I taught at Watters with Tony when he has Platt and Meadowcrest at the same time. He made it look easy. We did give him a wonderful retirement sendoff. I also served with him for many years on the Teachers Credit Union. He was a funny guy with a sharp wit and unlimited energy. He was a joy to work for and I have great memories of his contributions to education.
Peter and Family,
My deepest Condolences. I am very sorry for your loss.
Rest easy Mr.G!!
A huge loss for our neighborhood. Your Dad was the Court’s gardener, historian, dog lover and friend to all. We will miss stopping with the dog on her walks and chatting on the porch, yelling hi out of the car window on our way out, road trips to PC and countless other things since 1988.
Very sorry for your loss!
Sending hugs to all of you!
A piece of my heart is with you in this sad moment!
So sorry for your loss. Tony will be missed. Lots of memories of all of you and your dad over the years. Barrington Court will not be the same.
Lisa’s dad ~ rest in peace dear man. Well done. 🙏🏼
Peter, Diane, Michael, Kyle and Danielle,
May all the wonderful memories of cherished time with your beloved dad/grandfather bring you comfort during this painful period, and remain in your hearts forever. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Steve and I are so sorry for your loss. I will never forget your dad and how he kind and wonderful he was to all of the Nickersons. He was so loved by my parents and will be remembered not only as a wonderful neighbor and friend, but as family..love to all of you
Sending love and hugs to all of you!
Tony was a wonderful next door neighbor. He was so sweet to our children and even gave our daughter, a lifelong nickname, Betsy Boo. Tony and Bettie were warm and welcoming. Their children were our children’s favorite babysitters. We all dearly missed the Gibilerio family when we moved to Virginia. I’m sure Tony is now with the angels and his lovely wife.
Tony was always amazing! So very grateful to have him as part of our family!!
Lisa and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending you love, comfort and peace.
xoxo
Lisa and family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending you love, comfort and peace.
xoxo