William L. Gibbs, “Billy”, age 87, of Wilmington, formerly of Cambridge, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2017, at the Academy Manor in Andover.
Billy was born in San Francisco, CA, on May 12, 1930. As a young boy he moved to Springfield, MA before settling in Cambridge in the 1950’s; where he made many friends throughout the years.
Billy was born with a hearing impairment but that never stopped him from doing anything. He was an extremely hard worker; whether it was a laborer for a construction company, a horse groomer, or working at his best friend, Louis Mastrangelo’s company Live and Kicking Lobsters in Cambridge; Billy always found a way to work and be busy.
Billy also worked hard at helping others through Alcoholics Anonymous; this was an organization that he was very proud of because it helped him keep sober for over 46 years. Billy was always one to give back and pay it forward so he kept involved for many years just to help others improve their own lives.
While in his 60’s, Billy met the “love of his life”, Evelyn Choate at the Wonderland Ballroom. Billy built up enough courage to get her number and ask her out; it was definitely love at first sight. The couple hit it off, they married in Cambridge and spent 20 wonderful years together before Evelyn’s passing in 2011. Billy and Evelyn settled in Wilmington following their wedding; they truly enjoyed each other’s company, they loved to travel, go to dinner and spend time together. According to Billy these were the best 20 years of his life.
In many ways, Billy was just a simple guy who was kind to everyone and would give you the shirt off his back. Billy was very generous; he was always giving to charity or to a random stranger on the street who looked as though they needed a hand or a few bucks. The other side of Billy was quite a character who had a good sense of humor and would keep his friends laughing; his will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Billy was the beloved husband of Evelyn M. (Choate) Gibbs. Billy leaves behind his good friends Louis Mastrangelo of Cambridge, Ann and Tim Gish of Wilmington, as well as many friends in Wilmington and Cambridge.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Monday, July 17th for Visitation from 10:00-11:00 a.m. immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers donations in William’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 625 Main St., Wilmington, MA 01887.