Richard E. Gibitz

Richard Gibitz, age 79, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2021.

He was born in Akron on August 30, 1941, to the late Charles and Olga Gibitz.

Rich had a deep love of family and answered to the name "Punkin", given to him by his granddaughters. He loved family trips to the beach, bike rides on Towpath Trail, and had a talent for photography.

As one of Jehovah's witnesses, Rich enjoyed discussing the Bible's hope of everlasting life in an earthly paradise (Psalm 37:10, 11, 29), and was associated with the North Barberton Congregation.

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Carol (nee Greene) Gibitz; his son and daughter-in-law, Lane (Rhonda) Gibitz; his granddaughters and their husbands, Alayna (Jon) Parker and Breanna (Jordan) Gaige; his sisters, Sharla Schweyer and Elinor (Darrell) Cooper; his nieces, nephews and many friends.

Other than his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his son, Erin Scott Gibitz; and two brothers, Larry "Dutch" Gibitz and Tom Thompson.

Rich was known for his smile and never lost his pleasant, cheerful nature, even as his health declined, and was often heard to say, "Everything is going to be all right."

The family greatly appreciates the many expressions of sympathy and love being extended to us. We also wish to thank the staff of the Cleveland Clinic Hospice for their excellent care.

All services will be private and arrangements were entrusted to the care of Newcomer Funeral Home, Akron.