2023 -- H 6517
========
LC003214
========
S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
____________
H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N
EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE P ASSING OF JOHN V. GIBBONS, JR.
Introduced By: Representatives Ackerman, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Voas,
Marszalkowski, Chippendale, Solomon, McNamara, Fellela, and Tanzi
Date Introduced: June 13, 2023
Referred To: House read and passed
WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of John V. 1
Gibbons, Jr., of Cumberland, the beloved husband of Amy Gibbons; and 2
WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbons was born in Woonsocket, son of the late John Gibbons, Sr., 3
and the late Helene Gibbons. He was a graduate of Mount Saint Charles Academy and the 4
University of New Haven, where he attained a Bachelor's degree in Tourism & Hospitality 5
Management; and 6
WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbons began his distinguished hospitality career in 1998, when he 7
accepted a position as the Director of Tourism with the City of Fall River, serving the Mayor as 8
an advisor on issues related to tourism and special events. In 2002, he accepted a position as the 9
Director of Sales & Marketing with the Worcester County Convention & Visitors Bureau where 10
he promoted special events for the 59 cities and towns within Worcester County; and 11
WHEREAS, In late 2006, Mr. Gibbons was appointed as the Director of National 12
Accounts for the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, (CVB) where his 13
responsibilities and duties included directing the sports market for the CVB and assisting with the 14
planning of important sports events in the Greater Providence region; and 15
WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbons ascended to the position of Executive Director of the Rhode 16
Island Sports Commission in late 2010, and earned wide praise for his work in promoting the 17
State of Rhode Island as a premier sports destination in both New England and the nation. Thanks 18
to his tireless work ethic and passion for all things sports and Rhode Island, and his willingness to 19
travel across the nation promoting Rhode Island, Mr. Gibbons was able to bring millions of 20
LC003214 - Page 2 of 2
dollars into the State of Rhode Island's economy, helping to bring important athletic events such 1
as the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, Ice Hockey, Division III Wrestling and Lacrosse 2
Tournaments to our State; and 3
WHEREAS, In recognition of all he has done to support and expand the hospitality 4
industry in Rhode Island, Mr. Gibbons was awarded the 2022 Community Hospitality 5
Ambassador of the Year Award from the Rhode Island Hospitality Association; and 6
WHEREAS, Mr. Gibbons also served the citizens of Cumberland with integrity and 7
distinction as a two-time member of the Cumberland School Committee. He also served as the 8
Vice-Chairman of the Maplewood Farms Condominium Association; and 9
WHEREAS, First and foremost in Mr. Gibbons' life was always his family. He was a 10
devoted husband, father, grandfather and sibling; and 11
WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Amy, Mr. Gibbons leaves behind his children, Erin 12
Wood and her husband, Austen, Chelsea Gibbons, and Sean Gibbons and his wife, Spencer, and 13
his grandchildren, Cole, Logan, Lucas, Sydney, Eloise, Simon and Howard. He is also survived 14
by his sister, Maureen McCabe, and his five nieces and nephews, relatives, and many friends; 15
now, therefore be it 16
RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 17
expresses its condolences on the passing of John V. Gibbons, Jr.; and be it further 18
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to 19
transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Amy Gibbons and Family. 20
========
LC003214
========