Jeffrey Randolph Wibberley of Lancaster, died peacefully on November 8th at Hospice & Community Care in Mt. Joy.
Born in Westerly, RI November 30, 1945 and raised on a farm in Stonington, CT, Jeff graduated from Wesleyan University in 1967and came directly to Lancaster to teach French and then English at the Manheim Township Junior High School.
In 1972 Jeff joined the staff of Community Action Program (CAP) of Lancaster County were he worked for 39+ years in a number of capacities; he started as Director of Health Programs, writing proposals for all CAP activities and was a vital part of the founding of Domestic Violence Services (DVS). His last position at CAP was Director of Special Projects in which he developed a distribution program to provide specialized infant formula for all high risk WIC (Women, Infants and Children Program) babies in six states. During his tenure CAP grew from a small 30 person organization to over 300 staff.
In 1992 Jeff was appointed by Lancaster County Commissioners to serve on the Board of Red Rose Transit Authority, serving until his death, and as Chairman for many years.
Even outside of his work-related responsibilities he was supportive of and generous to those in need, often providing books to children and other resources to parents.
Jeff was an avid collector. In 1986 he sold his 20 year collection from his apartment/warehouse on S Andrew Street, a public sale that took place on 14 days over five months. Once relocated he started over, never able pass up a yard sale, flea market, a trip to Renninger’s, or Lancaster Creative Reuse store.
Jeff appreciated art and loved creating it. An early bas-relief woodcarver, he moved to doodle drawings, which grace many a home of friends and family.
An avid traveler in the States and abroad, he visited art museums along the way—whether the Louvre or local museums, like the DeMuth.
He loved blues music, dancing, gardening, NY Times crosswords, and trivial pursuit at Brendee’s.
Jeff had a sharp wit, a keen eye for exactness and a knack for storytelling. He will be greatly missed by his large family and many friends.
Jeff was pre-deceased by his father, M. Randolph Wibberley and his brother, Jared T. Wibberley. He is survived by his mother, Mary T. Wibberley of Colchester, CT, and his two sisters: Ann wife of David Rhinelander of Gloucester, MA, and Molly wife of Judah Greenzaid of Bethesda, MD, his niece Sarah W. Rhinelander wife of Diego Castiglioni of Kauai, HI and their three children, and many cousins.
A memorial gathering will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to DVS of Lancaster, PO Box 359, Lancaster, PA 17608 or to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.
I worked with Jeff when he was on the board of directors of the Welsh Mountain Medical Center. His efforts helped provide hard to find health care to countless low income families. Safe to say, his life made a difference.
I miss you more than words could ever express.
Have just learned of Jeff’s death. Very sad for his adopted community and for his many friends here in Connecticut where he grew up. Jeff and I became good friends at Stonington Junior-High School and went through an almost identical class schedule for all those years. His intellect and sense of humor made him a standout in the SHS Class of ’63. He was unafraid of speaking his mind to authority and never suffered fools, including, at times, yours truly. I last saw Jeff when he came to my New Hartford home for an unofficial class reunion. I showed him the still-present carbon mark on my knee where he had stabbed me with a pencil in the 7th grade (but had forgotten about my hitting him over the head with my history book as payback), and we had a great laugh over it all. He shared his love of antiques with Kathy and invited us down to see his warehouse home – a trip sadly we never made. I tried to find Jeff several years ago, but was unable to reach him. I wish now I had tried harder. He was a good and trusted friend when we were young and in my memory remained so in absentia for more than 50 years. My sincere condolences to his friends and family.
Thank you Neal for your kind words and so sorry for the pencil wound and lingering scar!!!….we miss him very much–we lost Jared in March 2017 as well so we’ll be having a memorial for the two of them perhaps in April–I think I have found your address so will be in touch. All best, Molly
I was Jeff’s neighbor on Concord St. back in 1988-99 until I moved away. I was recently showing my artwork on Prince St. when he walked into the show. We chatted….or should I say I chatted and Jeff scribbled. It was a joy to see him again! We exchanged a few emails since…and I just found out of his passing. He was a GOOD man, and an interesting one also! I have very fond memories of Jeff.
As evidenced by his career, Jeff was a kind and loving person. And what a character! He inherited the family gene for quick wit, and yes, great story telling. “Avid collector” doesn’t begin to describe this guy! We and our kids will never forget the hours we spent exploring the warehouse on S. Andrew Street. Since we moved to the west coast, we lost touch. I’m so sorry to have not had a few last laughs with Jeff. My very best thoughts are with his family, whom I love. His sister Molly, in particular, gets gold stars for her loving devotion and care for Jeff through all his struggles in recent years. If there are collectibles in heaven, Jeff is out there rummaging around.
Jeff was one of the most caring and generous human beings that i ever knew. We started our careers together at CAP . Jeff had me laughing from the first day we met. He loved people and cared deeply for those in need. His wit and humor was unmatched. His work at CAP was one of the main reason that CAP was so successful over the years. My dear friend Jeff, even if we did not have much contact over the last years, you always had, and will continue to have ,a very special place in my heart. Good bye dear friend.
Jeff you will be greatly missed.
My prayers to all of the family members.
Mr. Wibberley taught me 8th grade English at Manheim Twp. Middle School around 1972. He was, I believed, the best teacher who taught with zest & quite an infectious feel that you couldn’t help but get caught up in it. From playing from his record collection of R&B to Ike & Tina Turner, Mr. Wibberley was a different teacher with a different style that appealed to many a youth. He touched my life for the better. RIP Mr. Wibberley
“Me. Wibberley” was a caring and devoted teacher . Taught a lot more than 7th grade English, confidence love of the arts, etc. Thank you for being such a role model. RIP
My deepest sympathy. Jeff was a truly wonderful and caring man. He will be greatly missed.