Capt. John H. Wibby ’54

On February 14, 2024 John Henry Wibby, Jr. passed away at the Gosnell House after a brief and difficult battle with cancer. Jack was 91. During his illness, he was well cared for by the staff of the MMC Oncology Floor. We would like to thank all of the caregivers at each facility for their professional and respectful treatment of our father. We witnessed incredible kindness and patience for him throughout the process.

He was born in December of 1932 to Glenna Prouty Wibby and John H. Wibby, Sr. He grew up and attended the schools of Bangor Maine.

After graduating from Maine Maritime Academy in 1954, he volunteered for active Naval service. He was stationed in Korea and had many experiences and personal relationships that enlightened his pathway.

After completing his service on the destroyer US Benham, he returned to Maine to earn his teaching credentials at the University of Maine at Orono. He met his future wife, Janet Pelosi, at this time. They were married and had three children in Castine, Maine. Scott (1961), Matt (1962) and Patricia (1965). Jack was teaching at Maine Maritime Academy and always talked fondly about the community of Castine.

Jack taught Physics at the Yarmouth High School. Living across the street from the school, he regularly assisted with the science teaching lab, the gymnasium, the wood shop and the stage. He eventually went to work at Scarborough High school and Mount Ararat High School in Topsham. Throughout this period, he was an officer in the US Naval Reserve and retired at the rank of Captain. He was a lifelong learner and educator.

After his career in teaching, Jack turned his attention to politics and was especially active with Maine Taxpayers United. He worked diligently to educate politicians about government spending and the consequences for his grandchildren. Eventually he started working for the Gray Republicans and other conservative initiatives. He used his communications to bring like-minded people together across Maine.

Throughout Jack’s life, he took on many hobbies. He was an active umpire for Yarmouth Little League. He became a small plane pilot and enjoyed seeing Maine from the air. Golf, reading history books and listening to music were vital parts of his life. He enjoyed ballroom dancing and became an enthusiast and instructor. He loved time with his children and grandchildren.

Jack is predeceased by his parents and wife Janet Wibby. He is survived by his brother Wayne Wibby of Mariaville, Maine and sister Lynne Nelson of Tucson, Arizona. His children Scott of Yarmouth, Matt of South Portland and Patricia Gardner of Casco, Maine. His grandchildren Max Wibby of Bath, Maine, Travis Wibby of Maryville, Tennessee and Jessica Wibby of South Portland, Maine.

A funeral service is planned to bury his ashes with his grandparents at their grave in Waterville. A celebration of life will be held at this time.