US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served Florida's 10th (1963 to 1967), 6th (1967 to 1973), 7th (1973 to 1993) and 11th Districts (1993 to 1997) in the United States House of Representatives. Raised in South Florida during "The Depression", his grandmother's words of wisdom provided comfort for him as a child and would have a profound impact on his ability as a lecturer throughout his political career. In the midst of his studying at the University of Florida, he joined the 101st Airborne Division as a combat infantry parachutist and found himself a participant of the Normandy Invasion. During his World War II service, Gibbons distinguished himself as he earned a Bronze Star in addition to four battle stars. Upon returning home, he attained his law degree from the University of Florida in 1947 and commenced practicing privately in the Tampa-area. He developed an interest in politics and was elected to and served in Florida's State House of Representatives (1953 to 1958) and moved onto the state senate from 1959 to 1962. Perhaps, one of his most significant contributions during his tenure in Congress was his vote which helped Medicare come into existence during the 1960s. He supported President Johnson's stance on the Vietnam War and aided the administration's agenda for their "War on Poverty." Additionally, he served as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and vigorously protected Social Security, Welfare, Healthcare and other government assisted programs. He died in his sleep at the age of 92.
US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served Florida's 10th (1963 to 1967), 6th (1967 to 1973), 7th (1973 to 1993) and 11th Districts (1993 to 1997) in the United States House of Representatives. Raised in South Florida during "The Depression", his grandmother's words of wisdom provided comfort for him as a child and would have a profound impact on his ability as a lecturer throughout his political career. In the midst of his studying at the University of Florida, he joined the 101st Airborne Division as a combat infantry parachutist and found himself a participant of the Normandy Invasion. During his World War II service, Gibbons distinguished himself as he earned a Bronze Star in addition to four battle stars. Upon returning home, he attained his law degree from the University of Florida in 1947 and commenced practicing privately in the Tampa-area. He developed an interest in politics and was elected to and served in Florida's State House of Representatives (1953 to 1958) and moved onto the state senate from 1959 to 1962. Perhaps, one of his most significant contributions during his tenure in Congress was his vote which helped Medicare come into existence during the 1960s. He supported President Johnson's stance on the Vietnam War and aided the administration's agenda for their "War on Poverty." Additionally, he served as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and vigorously protected Social Security, Welfare, Healthcare and other government assisted programs. He died in his sleep at the age of 92.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Siblings
Advertisement
See more Gibbons memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
