NORTHAMPTON- MSgt. Daniel E. Kibe, USAF, Ret., 64, of Northampton passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2014 at home with his family surrounding him. He was born in Pennsylvania on November 30, 1949 the son of the late Clarence Kibe and Norma Hall of Northampton. He was raised and educated in Westfield, attending schools there.
He attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and graduated from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a Science degree. He worked for the University of Massachusetts for 34 years as a Technical specialist with the Food Science Dept.
Dan was also a Master Sergeant, serving with the 439th AES (Aeromedical Evac. Squadron) at Westover ARB. He proudly and honorably served his country over 20 years before his retirement. He received numerous commendations and citations including; the Korean Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, , Global War on Terrorism service Medal, Air Force Expeditionary service medal w/ 2 oak leaf clusters, Operation Nobel Eagle/Enduring Freedom and the Iraqi Freedom Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was proud of his country, his service and the many friends he met, worked and grew to know along the way.
Dan loved his Porsche, music and playing the guitar. A lover of the outdoors he could be found hiking the valley, swimming or capturing nature in his photography. He was involved in everything, from the Umass Union to a radio show on WMUA to being his sister, Linda’s, wine Connoisseur. Dan and Carolyn loved to travel and visit friends. Dan was a loyal member of the World War II Club, serving in numerous board positions and was always willing to lend a hand at a fundraiser, club event or just volunteer his time. He loved people and lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed spending immeasurable hours renovating “This Old House” at Bridge Street.
Dan was predeceased by his stepfather; Warren Hall of Westfield, his brother, Donny Kibe of Huntington and his in-laws, Virginia and George Ryals of VA. He leaves his loving wife of 32 years, Carolyn (Yancey) Kibe and his mother, Norma Hall of Northampton. His two furry friends, Bill and Will (the cats..) His sister, Linda Kibe of Westfield. His sister in law; Julie Kibe of Huntington and sister in law and brother in law; Kathy and Herman Johnson of Palmyra, VA., sister in law and brother in law, Peggy and Harold Yancey of Palmyra, VA., His eight nieces and nephews; Kristin Olinski, Caitlin Olinski, Joe Kibe and his wife Monica, David Kibe and his wife Lisa, Donald Kibe Jr. and his wife Ashleigh, April Walker and her husband Jake, Herman Johnson III and his wife Dana and Stefanie Melton and her husband Jonathan, twelve great nieces and nephews, many loving relatives and many, many wonderful friends. Dan will be greatly missed.
Calling hours at the Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton, 173 North St., will be Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. A Funeral Service for Dan will be held on Monday morning at the Czelusniak Funeral Home of Northampton at 10 a.m. followed by burial with full military honors in Bridge Street Cemetery. Donations in Dan’s memory may be made to Dakin Animal Shelter, VNA Hospice of Cooley Dickinson, World War II Club or the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Cancer Center.
