With broken hearts throughout the community, the Xavier Review announces the passing of Thomas John Gibbons on Sunday, May 25. He ended his valiantly fought battle with cancer at the age of 50, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Gibbons embodied what it means to be a man for others through his work and family. Mr. Gibbons was a devoted husband to his wife, Sue, and dedicated father to his children: Tommy ‘28, Riley and William Gibbons. He was a loving family man who brought that love from his personal life into the Xavier community.
Patrick Mahon ‘04, a current history teacher at Xavier High School, said that “Mr. Gibbons was the type of person that you would be hard pressed to find anyone who did not like him.” That is what embodied his life, someone who was loved and appreciated by those around him and in the community.
Mr. Gibbons was many things to many different people, but to the Review and the rest of the Xavier community, he was someone who dedicated himself to helping Xavier students and fostering a greater Xavier community. As a college counselor he had an open door, giving care, focus, and attention to detail as he guided Xavier students with their college application processes. He was always interested in connecting with students and always around to make people laugh.
James Buckley ‘13, current college counselor and former colleague of Mr. Gibbons, said, “He was really, really funny—hilarious.” Mr. Buckley told me that Mr. Gibbons was an immeasurable inspiration to him through his academic and professional life. For starters, Mr. Buckley shared with me that Mr. Gibbons inspired him to attend the University of Scranton, which he and Mr. Gibbons share as their alma mater, and later inspired him to pursue college counseling. Buckley said, “He taught me how to help people.” Mr. Buckley highlighted that the crux of the job is helping students, and Mr. Gibbons taught him how to do that with care and dignity.
Ultimately, Mr. Gibbons was someone who touched the lives of many whom he interacted with and helped shape their lives. He will always hold a special place in the hearts of the Xavier High School community for the type of example he set of what it means to be a man for others and give back to one’s community.
The funeral occurred on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Westwood Cemetery in Westwood, New Jersey. Please consider a donation to the GoFundMe set up for Mr. Gibbons’ family (link): https://www.gofundme.com/rememberTomGibbons.Mr. Gibbons
