"Dear Donna, IM so sorry to hear about Jody, we had so many fun times together jamming on the HMS Rose tied up at the Mooring and all the other places we would bump into each other. He will always be remembered as one of the greats living on The Point and helping all who needed help. When my 1934 Herrashoff sank off Poplar St. Jody came by and helped divers raise the boat with tire inner tubes, and then the Newport Fire Dept. put a pump inside as the boat floated to the surface. Like a dream the boat started lifting out of the water as the water pumped out, Jody singing and playing the guitar singing Sailor Tunes, A Sailors life for me and many others. We had so many great times on the boats getting lobsters and enjoying ?Old Newport?. Jody will always remembered as one of Newport's best men. God Bless you and your family & friends, Russell Allen and The Allen Family, Elm Street"
In loving memory of
Jody Gibson
August 25, 1929 - June 8, 2005
Jody Gibson born as Joseph Paul Katzberg, 75, of 207 Broadway, Newport, RI, died Wednesday, June 8, 2005 at home. He was the husband of Donna Gibson. Born in Brooklyn, NY on August 25, 1929, he was the son of the late Archie and Josephine Puzelli Katzberg. Jody started playing music as a child in Greenwich Village, mentored by Woody Guthrie and Leadbelly. During Air Force years in Great Britain, he recorded for Parlaphone. His A R man was Sir George Martin who later produced the Beatles. Jody?s USA hit record, Good Morning Captain, was on the Tetra label. Jody is a member of the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Jody was a 8th Degree Black Belt in Shoju Kempo Karate and a 5th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. He trained at risk children in traditional Shotokan Karate. He is in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Jody made hand-carved and Gilded signs for Newport businesses. He was a boat builder and a master rigger. He was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Air Force as a Chief Air Traffic Controller in Japan, Korea, England, Great Britain and the USA. Besides his wife of 35 years he is survived by his children Joyce Katzberg of Warren, RI, Kate Katzberg of Cranston, RI, and David Katzberg of Pawtucket, RI, his brother Richard Alexander of Sun City, AZ, and his sister Roberta Liford of Long Island, NY, his grandchildren Emma Katrina Katzberg, David James Katzberg, Amelia ?Abby? Berg, and Noah Berg, and several nieces and nephews. He was the former husband of the late Roberta Barber Katzberg Brahm. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 13, 2005, at 1:00pm in Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter. A Celebration of Jody?s life will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2005, at 4:00pm in St. George?s Episcopal Church, 14 Rhode Island Avenue, Newport. Come and enjoy the music.
Tributes
"Jody and I were two of the members of a group called the muleskinners while stationed at Mather A.F.B. in Sacto, Ca. in the early sixties. I shall never forget his ability and patience to teach younger musicians and singers, such as myself"
"Dear Donna I remember Jody when I was at school Vernon Court Jr. College in Newport. I was fascinated with him and learned a lot of his music. It's been a long time since 1967 - 1968 but today, for some reason, I Googled "Jody Gibson". I'm sorry to hear of his passing and hope it was peaceful. By the way, Donna, I remember you too. Roey Pratt"
"So sorry Donna. Letter to follow. Holding you in my heart. Love, Barbara"
"Dear Donna, First of all I would like to convey my sincerest sympathy to you and Kate. I have so many memories of you and Jody. Prior to my move to Pennsylvania. I recall the many days of fun at the Lil Apt on Battery Street and the one on Second St across from Ikes Convenience Store. I recall the night I spentin a lil Pub in 1978 . I was marrying the next day and Jody sang songs of delight and old shanties. My best to you and the family.Thank you for so many warm and joyful memories. Jody is such a warm , creative and loving person. Sincerely E Gomes-Mallette"
"I had an unforgettable meeting with Jody last December. I was working at Radio Shack and Jody came in on a quiet cold evening as his car had a flat in front of the store. While he waited for a friend from Billy Goode's to pick him up, he told me all about his life and sang his sea shanties for me. What a life!"
"Dear Donna, My sincere sympathy to you and all of Jody's family. I have fond memories of times spent with you and Jody, especially our days aboard the "Old Black Pearl" and our raucous days in the tavern with Barclay. Jody was so much to so many people. I'll remember the vision of Jody in his striped sailing shirt, his cap and the pipe tucked in the corner of his mouth. Please take good care Donna. Love, Carol"