John J. Gibney

John Gibney

September 10, 1947- May 5, 2024
Life-long Dunellen Resident
Former Mayor

Son of the late John Gibney Sr. and Hermina (Schwarz) Gibney John Gibney, 76, peacefully passed away Sunday, May 5th, 2024, in his Dunellen home surrounded by his entire family. 

John was born and raised in Dunellen, New Jersey, a place he devoted his entire life to. John's roots run deep beneath the surface of his one-square-mile town. 

John, the oldest of two brothers, attended Dunellen public schools in the 1950s and 1960s. John spent family vacations at the Jersey shore, a tradition he loved so much that he passed on to his own family. 

John's professional journey began at the renowned Art Color, where he honed his skills in the production office. His passion for medical illustration led him to Rutgers Medical School, where he made significant contributions. His career reached its pinnacle at Hoechest-Roussel Pharmacy, where he served as the Art director of the sales and marketing department, leading the design of medical forms for research departments. 

After retiring in 1995, John founded the Jersey Sign Corporation, a business he successfully ran with his son Jason for 25 years. His work during this time survives him and can be seen throughout the entire state of New Jersey. When entering his one- square-mile town, his work stands proudly, as his sign welcomes you with honor and dignity. 

During all of John's time establishing a successful career, he always remembered to give back to his community. Beginning by coaching Washington Rock Pop Warner and Dunellen Little League, then became a member of the Dunellen Lions Club and Dunellen Booster Club. Eventually, he would be elected to the Dunellen Borough Council, where he served two terms, and the Dunellen Planning Board, where he served four years. Finally, in typical John fashion, he would go on to win the 1987 Dunellen election for mayor, which he served from 1988 to 1992. 

All of John's talent and drive for community and family led to several accomplishments and awards. His "Golden Hands" won him 1st place in the 2018 National Arts Program for Rutgers University and the Art on the Green award, which he won twice. Finally, his "Golden Heart" led to his greatest honor when he was presented with the Dunellen Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. 

John's life was forever changed when he met the love of his life, Jean, 'Jeeeeean' Hudak, the weekend before Thanksgiving in 1968. Their love story, which began with a “long time” of dating, blossomed into an engagement in December of the same year. They sealed their love in a beautiful ceremony on September 7th, 1969, and their bond remained unbreakable for 54 years, a testament to the enduring power of love. 

John's greatest accomplishment of all comes in the form of those that survive him. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are what he was most proud of. 

Survived by his wife Jean; his brother Robert (Donna); his children Jason (Christina), Jillian (Tommy), Jocelyn (Dave); his grandchildren Sean (Marissa), Preston (Morgan), Alex, Waylon, Olivia, Mallory, Carly, Cash, Josephine; and his great- grandchildren SJ, Elijah; and many more dear relatives, customers, and friends.

In lieu of flowers of flowers please instead consider a donation to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4 - 8 pm.  A Funeral Service will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 10:30 am at the funeral home. 

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