Laurence L. Gibbs, of Putnam Valley, NY, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, with his loving family by his side. Born on May 6, 1945, in Yonkers, NY, to Muriel (Higgins) and Newton Gibbs, Laurence lived a life defined by courage, dedication, and unwavering love for his family and community.

A proud graduate of Gorton High School in Yonkers, Class of 1964, Laurence was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. He trained at Fort Jackson, SC, before advancing his skills at Fort Rucker, AL, where he became a helicopter mechanic. He was later deployed to Vietnam, serving as a Huey helicopter crew chief and M-60 gunner in the Mekong Delta, Vinh Long Province. His bravery was evident in his role during the TET Offensive, where he participated in critical rescue missions. Throughout his service, he earned numerous commendations, including the Good Conduct Award, Military Justice Certification, the Vietnam Active Duty Medal, and the Sharpshooter Award.

Following his time on active duty, Laurence attended Morrisville College and earned a certification in automotive technology. He remained committed to service, continuing in the Air Force Reserve while also becoming a proud member of the White Plains Fire Department in 1972. Over his more than 20-year career as a firefighter, he also pursued higher education, earning a degree in fire science from Westchester Community College. After his time with the WPFD, he was a Sears technician for 22 years.

Even in retirement, Laurence remained deeply involved in his community. He spent 10 years as a dedicated school bus driver in Putnam Valley and was an active member of VFW Post 391, where he served as chaplain, as well as a member of the American Legion Post 1517. His greatest joy, however, was his 40 years of involvement with Putnam Valley Boy Scout Troop 353, where his three sons and grandson are members. Laurence was a constant presence, offering guidance, support, and leadership to generations of Scouts. He most recently participated in the annual Winter Carnival in Lake George in February 2025, an event he truly loved. A proud veteran, he was also a dedicated participant in Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades in Putnam Valley, honoring the service and sacrifices of fellow soldiers.

On September 11, 1971, Laurence married the love of his life, Diane (Griffith) Gibbs, and together they built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure for over 52 years. Laurence is survived by Diane and their sons, Jonathan (Amy) Gibbs of Shelton, CT, Jason Gibbs (Jen Anderson), and Daniel Gibbs (Sarah Dooney), all of Putnam Valley. He was a proud grandfather to Ryan, Jacob, Aiden, and Grace Gibbs, and bonus grandsons, Trevor and Ryan Anderson. He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth (Dana) Gibbs of Maryland. Laurence was preceded in death by his parents, Muriel and Newton Gibbs.

We invite you to join us in remembering and celebrating Laurence’s life on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, 35 Morrissey Dr., Putnam Valley, NY. A service to honor his life will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home, followed by interment at Rose Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Putnam Valley Scout Troop 353 via VENMO @PVTroop353 (Troop ThreeFiftyThree); make checks payable to Troop 353, 82 Mill Street, Putnam Valley, NY 10579 or Putnam Valley VFW; make checks payable to VFW Post 391 c/o Christopher Moran, 6 Young Street, Courtland Manor, NY 10567.

Laurence lived with courage, served with honor, and loved with all his heart. His legacy will endure in the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him.