Chester N. Gibbs

Springfield - Chester “Chet” Gibbs, 95, a life-long advocate for equality and social justice, died at home Monday, May 21, 2018. The cause was pancreatic cancer. Born in Harlem, NY on June 17, 1922, Chet was the son of Joseph and Edith (Carloce) Gibbs. Always proud of his Harlem origins, he attended public schools in New York City. After a stint in the US Army, he studied at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, playing on its varsity basketball team. While there, he was initiated into the Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and, in 1954, was a founder of the Fraternity’s Delta Chi Chapter. Chet began his public service career in 1952 as a social worker for the Boston and Springfield Public Welfare Departments, and the state’s foster care and adoption agency. After officials of Prince Edward County, Virginia chose to close public schools rather than integrate them, Chet chaired a committee of social workers, sponsored by the American Friends Service, that placed students with Springfield families so they could finish their educations. In 1961, Governor John Volpe appointed him as a Commissioner to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. Chet was the first resident of Western Massachusetts to serve in this position. His determination and commitment to the goal of social justice was further manifested by his serving as the Executive Director of the Springfield Urban League, and by founding Springfield Corporation, a housing rehabilitation and job training agency. Later, Chet served as a consultant to US companies, developing their affirmative action plans and providing training to ensure equal access for minority and women-owned contractors and employees. He served on the Boards of distinct organizations and institutions including Western New England and Springfield Colleges, Dunbar Community Center, Holyoke Health Center, Nueva Esperanza, Holyoke Community Land Trust, the MacDuffie School, and the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. He was a Trustee of Springfield Institution for Savings for 26 years, serving on the Investment Committee and later as the Chairman of the Internal Audit Committee. Among many other recognitions, Chet received the prestigious Ubora award in 1999 from the African Hall Steering Committee of the Springfield Museums for his commitment to community service in the Springfield area. As a lover of the outdoors, Chet was a member of the 70+ Ski Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Music was also a passion and he owned an extensive collection of jazz records. He will be deeply missed by his daughter, Stephanie. A memorial service will be held at Alden Baptist Church, 649 State Street, Springfield on Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 10 am. New England Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.nefcc.net

Chester N. Gibbs

June 17, 1922 - May 21, 2018