Edmund Gibbons

Edmund Francis Gibbons (September 16, 1868 – June 19, 1964) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Albany in New York State from 1919 to 1954.

Biography Edmund Gibbons was born on September 16, 1868, in White Plains, New York, to Irish immigrants James and Joanna (née Ray) Gibbons. His father was a stonecutter who helped build the New York State Capitol in Albany, New York.

Gibbons first attended Niagara College in Lewiston, New York. Deciding to become a priest, he the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels at Niagara College. He later continued his studies at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. In 1934, Gibbons served as chair of the New York State Catholic Welfare Committee. He also established The College of Saint Rose in Albany, Siena College in Loudonville, New York, Mater Christi Seminary, 22 high schools, 82 grade schools, and the diocesan newspaper, The Evangelist.

On May 27, 1953, Gibbons celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination. As the oldest living bishop, he was dean of the American hierarchy.

Retirement and death After thirty-five years as bishop, Gibbons retired on November 10, 1954, to a simple apartment in the Mater Christi seminary; he was named titular bishop of Verbe on the same date. Gibbons died in Albany on June 19, 1964, at age 95.