Obituary of Arthur C Kibbe

(Article on Art Kibbe for Reference: Post-Journal Regional Section, March 13-14, 2021) Arthur C. Kibbe, 96, of Sinclairville, NY, passed away peacefully at home on February 10, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and caregivers. Art was born in his family home on North Hill Road, Sinclairville on March 11, 1927 to Allie and Doris Chase Kibbe, who taught him to work hard and celebrate family. His childhood involved working on the farm as the oldest of six siblings and walking one mile to the local schoolhouse. In his youth, Art was a volunteer for the Aircraft Warning Service with local school kids who manned a shanty on Cassadaga Road to look for and report airplanes flying over via telephone. Art graduated at age 16 from Cassadaga Valley Central School in 1943. He was a member of the FFA and was described as “quiet and thoughtful” in his senior photo. Art joined the Civil Air Patrol as a high school senior. He entered the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program at age 17 and was sent for training at Hamilton College as well as New York University and entered into regular U.S. Army service in June 1944. After completing basic training at Fort McClellan in Alabama, Art was a 1st Sergeant in Battery C of the 88th Infantry Division’s 337th Field Artillery Battalion and was stationed in Italy for one year. He was employed at Blackstone Corporation for more than 20 years. Then, he became a Cassadaga Valley School District bus driver while also working full-time as a rural letter carrier for the United States Postal Service from 1967 to 1994. Art met his future wife, Bessie Olmstead, at CVCS. The two were married on May 15, 1948 in the Town of Charlotte and were together for 72 years raising six children. In retirement, Art and Bessie were tree farmers spending many years converting pastures into woods. Art was also an avid sportsman who had a passion for baseball, target shooting and hunting. The February 15, 1966 Post-Journal headline highlighted his shooting skills, “Sinclairville Rifleman Perfect for the Course” in which Art shot a perfect National Match Course score of 400. Art also finished second in the New York State turkey calling championship in 1976 and hunted turkeys into his eighties. Art Kibbe was predeceased by his wife Bessie (2020) and his youngest sibling Larry Kibbe in January 2024. He is survived by his children David (Jean) Kibbe, Donna (Greig) Sewell, Dan (Cyndi) Kibbe, Darla (Arthur) Perry, Douglas (Christine) Kibbe, and Debra (Frank) Kibbe Jones; and four siblings: Jean Ricker, Robert (Edna) Kibbe, Knute (Dorothy) Kibbe, and Ruth Forbes. Art also leaves a legacy of 17 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family is very grateful to Art’s incredible team of caregivers led by Debbie Johnson, who also cared for Bessie, and nephew Scott Forbes for his ongoing support. If you visited Art in the past five years, you may have heard his favorite farewell statements, “Hold the fort!” or “Don’t blow the engine!” Family and friends are invited to Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville, NY, on Friday, February 16, 2024 for visitation from 2-4 pm. Immediately following visiting hours will be a funeral service at 4:00 pm. Art’s son, Doug Kibbe, pastor of The Rock Church, will officiate the service. Burial will be in Charlotte Center Cemetery, Charlotte Center, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Sinclairville Volunteer Fire Company or the Sinclairville 76ers Meals on Wheels Program, 30 Main Street, Sinclairville, NY 14782 or the Cassadaga American Legion Post 1280, 228 Maple Ave, Cassadaga, NY 14718. Share condolences at jordansinclairville.com.