Alan Richard Gibson , VRHS Class of 1972
RENSSELAER - Alan Richard Gibson, 72, left this world peacefully, early Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his favorite music and family, due to complications related to Parkinson's Disease. Born to Douglas Crannell and Shirley Robins Gibson, on February 9, 1954, in Albany, N.Y., he grew up in Rensselaer the youngest of two sons. He attended Van Rensselaer High School. He was a carpenter who lived and worked in Rensselaer his whole life. On October 15, 1976, he married the love of his life, Mary Eager Gibson, and they raised three children together, Mark, Kristina, and Jodi. Alan was a kind, gentle and soft spoken man. He was always the first to ask how you were, and inquire how your family and friends were doing. He liked to listen to music and the radio scanner, but his favorite thing to do was spend time with his wife and soulmate, Mary. They often took long drives together, and during their earlier years, were frequent campers near Lake Champlain, spending hours together sitting by the water. He and Mary enjoyed antiquing and Alan was very proud of his coin collection. He had a fondness for dogs, books and holidays but especially Christmas, choosing the perfect tree each year. He had a sweet tooth all his life and during his time at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Guilderland he regularly shared his sweet treats with friends and kind staff members. Alan is survived by his children, Mark (Julie) Gibson, Kristina (Josh) Howarth and Jodi (Nate) Gibson; and his three grandsons, Eric (Nikki) Gibson-Reese, and Austin and Avery Gibson. He was predeceased by his beloved wife. Mary (2023); by his parents, Douglas (2002) and Shirley (1992); and by his brother, Doug (2020). The family is planning a private service in his honor. Memorial donations may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation, www.parkinson.org