Charles S. Gibson's Obit...

Charles S. Gibsonwas a husband, father, family man, worker and landlord who took ALL these roles seriously and faced life with fortitude and conviction.

He was born to Mable Camille Fitzpatrick and Joseph Saint Clair Augustus Gibson on March 15, 1927—the Ides of March—and was the eldest and last remaining of five boys, Lionel, Ken, Lloyd, and Raymond. Charles was baptized at the Episcopal Church At Saint Thomas. He was educated at Kato Middle School, which is now the Paul Robeson High School, at 43^rd near Chestnut in West Philadelphia. He also attended Dobbins Technical School, where he excelled in sheet metal work. With the encouragement of his cousin, Enid, he later attended Lincoln Prep. Due to heart problems as a child, Charles did not join his brothers in the sports of track and field. Instead he spent hours constructing model airplanes which developed into a passion for all things having to do with flight, aeronautics and engineering

Paul Robeson High School, at 43^rd near Chestnut in West Philadelphia. He also attended Dobbins Technical School, where he excelled in sheet metal work. With the encouragement of his cousin, Enid, he later attended Lincoln Prep. Due to heart problems as a child, Charles did not join his brothers in the sports of track and field. Instead he spent hours constructing model airplanes which developed into a passion for all things having to do with flight, aeronautics and engineering. After being inducted into the Army during the Korean war, Charles Gibson’s interest

He had a lovely wife, Mrs. Jessie Mae Gibson, who he met on a blind date arranged by is cousins. He would always say,” It was love at first sight”. They married in the spring of 1951 and remained married for 55 years. Their union produced two children—Claudia Helene, and Tracy Charles. The children were raised at their home on 49^thstreet in West Philadelphia, which became a showpiece of Mr. Gibson’s own workmanship and construction skills. He took the family to Canada, the World’s Fair in New York and on several camping trips. Mr. Gibson was a devoted and dedicated family man and father who strongly instilled the work ethic in his children and in others who knew him. Once asked what his life’s credo was he answered: ``Work, Work, Work!!’’ Known to his cousins as “Nipper” he was a stabilizing agent in his immediate and extended family. He encouraged the education of his children and grandchildren. Charles and Jessie successfully urged both children to complete college educations. The graduations of his grandchildren were exceedingly anticipated and joyful events.

Together Charles and Jessie operated a real estate business. Charles Gibson loved his St. Clair apartments located in University City, his crown jewel. Many of his tenants considered him ``one of the best landlords that ever existed," because Mr. Gibson was quick to respond to problems with his buildings and assured the building’s “curb appeal” was more than adequate. His life became a relentless struggle and balancing act

Together Charles and Jessie operated a real estate business. Charles Gibson loved his St. Clair apartments located in University City, his crown jewel. Many of his tenants considered him ``one of the best landlords that ever existed," because Mr. Gibson was quick to respond to problems with his buildings and assured the building’s “curb appeal” was more than adequate. His life became a relentless struggle and balancing act to refurbish and improve the buildings he owned, extend his real estate holdings through purchases, maintain a “day” job, and to provide for his wife and family.

Mr. Gibson loved his community, and became a role model for many young men, teaching them skills in carpentry, electronics, brick laying, house painting, plumbing and more. In his younger years, French Creek, and Fairmount Park were a few areas of the city he would travel to enjoy nature with community youth and other adult leaders in the neighborhood. For many young people, Mr. Gibson became a surrogate father.

Mr. Gibson was seen as a trailblazer, family man, a community man, and a Renaissance man. His wife Jessie preceded Charles in death. He is survived by two children: Claudia Helene; and Tracy Charles, a Son-In Law; Dr. Keith Hunter; four grand children; Kamau, Anoa, Thandiwe, and Muata, his senior cousin Ruby, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, his faithful friends Sheridan and Joe, and his companion, mentee and care-giver Beverly McCullough.

Charles S. Gibson made his transition on July 10^th, 2012, due to advanced heart disease. He was 85 years old. Services will be held on Friday, July 20^th at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, located at 6361 Lancaster Ave. The viewing will be from 9:00-11:00. The service will start at 11:00. The internment will be at Fernwood Cemetery.