A Mass of Christian Burial for Kyle Joseph Gibson, Airman First Class, United States Air Force, 25, will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, 11 A.M., Saturday, October 5, 2024, with Fr. Timothy Hayes as celebrant. Visitation will be held in the church from 9-11 A.M., Saturday, prior to the Mass. Private burial will be held in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Newark. Full Military Honors will be provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

Kyle, stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City Beach, Florida, was born in Columbus, Ohio on October 12, 1998, to Joseph and Kelli (Christian) Gibson, of Heath, Ohio.

A 2017 graduate of Newark Catholic High School, Kyle was captain of the Varsity football team and earned first team all-league, all-region, and all-state honors. Kyle continued his successful football career at Findlay University and received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, graduating in 2021. Kyle was currently working in security forces with the United States Air Force and was also a member of their Rugby club team.

Kyle lived a life full of sunshine, passion and dedication. Although he hailed from Ohio, he was a true Floridian at heart. He loved soaking up the warm rays while playing golf, enjoying the stunning beaches, working out and diving into games of sand volleyball with his friends, many of whom he considered his brothers. He was a diehard Browns fan, karaoke singer, and the life of every party. He was a stranger to no one. His love for life was evident in everything he did.

Kyle served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. His leadership within the unit was evident. He led the unit in the best score on a physical fitness test scoring a 100% and was personally recognized for his outstanding professionalism by the Secretary of the Air Force with a challenge coin, marking himself as an exceptional serviceman. Kyle was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Air and Space Achievement Medal, solidifying his impact and dedication to his country. His relentless work ethic set a high standard for his peers to follow, embodying the very essence of the Air Force core values. He started each day at 1 A.M., allowing him time to lift in the gym before being one of the first to arrive at work every morning.

Beyond his accomplishments, Kyle was known for his radiant smile, his awesome mustache and unwavering commitment to hard work. He was the heartbeat of the flight. He was loved and his laugh was contagious. There wasn't a thing that you could ask him to do that he wouldn't excel in. His presence commanded any room he was standing in, and his determination inspired all who had the privilege to know him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory and the impact he made will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

He will be greatly missed by his parents, Joe and Kelli; his sister, Sydney; fiancé, Grace Kanoski and her parents and sister, Chris (Donna) Kanoski and Anna Kanoski; aunts and uncles, Beth (Scott) Richardson, Greg (Mandy) Christian, and Megan (Dean) Jarnac; maternal grandparents, Don (Sue) Christian; cousins, Nick, Katie (Rick), Maddy, Dustin (Candace), Dillon, Alex, Logan, Connor, Abigail and Riley; and many longtime friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kyle's name can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306; t2t.org

REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, is assisting the family with arrangements.  To share your memory of Kyle or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.