Gary Tibbetts, assistant to U. S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, dies from COVID-19 complications
Gary Tibbetts, 66, a special assistant to U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan since 2011, and a retired Manchester, N.H., police sergeant, died of complications from COVID-19 on Friday.
“Devastated by the death of my longtime staffer Gary Tibbetts, who passed away today at Manatee Memorial Hospital from COVID-19. Gary was the consummate professional and a true public servant in every sense of the word,” Buchanan said Friday in a statement posted to Facebook and Twitter.
“He touched so many lives and was loved and respected by those who knew him. I will never forget his uplifting spirit, sense of humor and sheer joy at helping others. Sandy and I offer our deepest sympathies to his wife, Valerie and family. He will be missed greatly,” Buchanan said.
Mr. Tibbetts was a fixture in the Bradenton area, holding office hours to meet with constituents who had questions, comments or concerns regarding federal matters, and attending ribbon cuttings and other special events for Buchanan.
There was an outpouring of condolences at his passing.
“Today we lost a great friend and advocate for our veteran and law enforcement community. Gary Tibbetts passed away this morning at Manatee Memorial Hospital as a direct result of COVID-19. I have known Gary since 2012 and we worked very close on many legislative issues where he advocated for our veterans and brought our issues to his boss, Congressman Vern Buchanan. This news of his passing felt the same as losing a family member—a brother,” Carl Hunsinger, president and founder of Manasota Veterans, said.
“Our prayers go out to his wife Valerie, family and close friends. Gary will be greatly missed and may he rest in peace,” Hunsinger said.
Manatee Sheriff Rick Wells tweeted: “We are very sad to hear of the passing of our friend Gary Tibbetts. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time.”
The Bradenton Police Department tweeted: “We are deeply saddened and mourn the loss of our dear friend Gary Tibbetts. Gary was a great supporter of #BradentonPD, and all of law enforcement. He was a dedicated and tireless advocate for the community he proudly served.”
Manatee County Government tweeted: “Many of us are today are sad to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a good man, a kind soul. He attended every community event you can imagine and was a kind face smiling at anyone who approached him. Gary was a great local government partner and he will truly be missed in Manatee County.”
“County Commissioner Carol Whitmore posted on Facebook: My heart breaks for Valerie Tibbetts with the loss of Gary Tibbetts. I was honored to perform their marriage . He loved working as Congressman Buchanan’s assistant for many years and representing our community. Our community has lost a good man.
State Rep. Will Robinson, R-Bradenton, posted on Facebook: “Incredibly tragic and sad news. Gary was so kind and generous to everyone he met. Manatee County is a better place because of all the organizations he wonderfully served. May God bless his wife, Valerie and their entire family. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Jacki Dezelski, president and CEO of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce, also posted a tribute on Facebook: “Remembering the most recent conversation I had with Gary Tibbetts, which was just a few weeks ago via a Chamber Zoom event. I am lucky to have been able to tell him that I was grateful for his involvement and commitment. Gary was “everywhere” and talked to everyone. He was kind, thoughtful, dedicated, and constantly took the time to share his gratitude for a role that allowed him to help others. I am heartbroken, particularly for Valerie and his family. I know I will find myself looking for Gary at Chamber and community events for a long time to come. I will miss him dearly and my heart is heavy.”
Rep. Margaret Good, a Democrat who will face Buchanan in the general election in November, also issued a statement: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Gary Tibbetts. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and colleagues. He was a dedicated public servant who worked every day to make this community a better place.”
Asked whether anyone in Buchanan’s office will have to quarantine because of Mr. Tibbett’s diagnosis, the office said no, because neither the congressman nor other staff had recent contact with Mr. Tibbets.
As of Friday, the Florida Department of Health reported 153 COVID-19-related deaths and 7,520 positive coronavirus test results in Manatee County.
This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 11:27 AM.
