Obituary of John Joseph Garibotto

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Joseph Garibotto. He was long time resident of Houlton, Maine. John passed away peacefully on January 4, 2024. He’s predeceased by both his parents John G. Garibotto and Barbara F. (Weagle) Garibotto. John was born on August 9, 1943 in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Bedford High School class 1961 where he played football and was voted best looking.

Following high school John had a milk business and was also a full time paramedic/firefighter for the town of Bedford. Shortly after that John started a construction business called Garibotto Construction where he built houses from Massachusetts to Maine. While doing so, John developed a love for Maine and chose to build his home on the coast in Cape Elizabeth. Spending many years there John and his loving wife of 32 years, Debra A. (Bone) Garibotto not only opened a couple of dry cleaning businesses, a wine business, watch business, and a lobster business making as well as selling lobster traps and lobsters. 

During John’s retirement years he spent part time in Florida at his home in Westminster. He filled his days with playing golf with friends or boating with his wife. During  the other six months John and Debra spent time at their camp on East Grand Lake in Maine. As John’s Parkinson’s and lewy body dementia progressed he and his wife chose to move permanently to Aroostook County where he spent his final days at his home being cared for by his loving wife and many nurses and aides. 

John was a beloved father, grandfather and friend. He leaves behind a brother Ronald  Garibotto (Kathy), nephew Philip Garibotto (Helen), a favorite aunt and uncle Diane Newton (Bob). A supportive daughter Sonya Johnson (Wayne), grandsons Patrick and Michael. A son Ryan Bennett (Tina), grandchildren Lena  and Austin. His best friend from H.S. Jim McGovern (Donna). He also leaves behind several supportive cousins and friends. 

Our family thanks the angels that touched John’s life during his journey to heaven. -Thank You-
Family and friends will be invited this summer to celebrate wonderful memories of John.  Memories and condolences may be shared on his tribute wall.