C. Gilpin Gibbon, 87, lawyer, bank founder

C. Gilpin Gibbon, 87, a lawyer, bank founder, and civic activist, died of heart failure Friday, Aug. 19, at home in Chadds Ford.

In 1952, after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Mr. Gibbon became a partner with the firm of Whitney, Thornton, Gibbon & Monteith in Philadelphia.

In the mid-1970s, he established a solo law practice in Bryn Mawr, specializing in trusts and estates. In recent years, he practiced from home. For many years, he taught at Temple University School of Law.

While living in Gladwyne in the 1960s, Mr. Gibbon served on the Lower Merion Township Commission. He was involved with the planning and completion of Flat Rock Park on the Schuylkill in Gladwyne.

He was founding director and secretary of the National Bank of the Main Line. When it opened in Wayne in 1985, the bank said it planned to cater to small businesses. National Bank of the Main Line is now part of M&T Bank.

Mr. Gibbon was former corporate secretary and general counsel for Southco Inc.

A graduate of Episcopal Academy, he earned a bachelor's degree from Yale University, where he played on the basketball team.

During World War II, he served in the Navy. While in the military, he attended University of Virginia and Texas A&M University.

Mr. Gibbon was an accomplished pianist and played tennis and golf into his 70s. He was a member of Merion Golf Club, where he once shot a hole-in-one on the third hole.

He and his wife of 41 years, Ona Michael Gibbon, traveled the world together. They lived in Villanova before moving to Chadds Ford 12 years ago.

Besides his wife, Mr. Gibbon is survived by daughters Anne Judge and Martha Bianchi; a stepson, Thomas Bottomley; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his former wife, Jane.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Aug. 26, at Stuard Funeral Home, 104 Cricket Ave., Ardmore. Friends may call from 10 a.m.

Donations may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 795 E. Marshall St., Suite 204, West Chester 19380.