Pierre Joseph Gibbons

Pierre Joseph Gibbons rescued Mary Sterling from burning, Baltimore, Maryland, September 23, 2019. Sterling, 77, remained in the basement of her burning row house as fire spread inside. Gibbons, 57, hospital facilities manager, was at a neighbor’s home when he was alerted. As Gibbons approached her house, he saw Sterling through an open basement door with flames on the ceiling above her. Gibbons entered the home through its front door and, moving through thick smoke, found a door to the basement stairs. Descending the stairs into the basement, Gibbons found and grasped Sterling and carried her up the stairs to the first floor, where heat was intense. Gibbons grasped a towel or blanket to shield them from intensifying flames and smoke but collapsed while attempting to move with her toward the front door. Minutes later, firefighters entered the first floor and, finding Gibbons laying atop Sterling, removed both unconscious victims from the house. Sterling was hospitalized and died about a month later from complications of her injuries. Gibbons suffered burns to more than 70 percent of his body along with inhalation injuries, underwent more than 20 surgical procedures, and suffered two strokes during his nine-month hospital stay. He was released from the hospital but continued to undergo rehabilitation at home.

Obituary

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Pierre Joseph Gibbons, a cherished father, a devoted son, beloved brother, and adored Pop Pop. Pierre departed this life unexpectedly on March 18, 2026 at the age of 63, he was born on September 7, 1962, in Maryland. He spent his recent years in Baltimore, where he fostered countless friendships and became an integral part of the community. He was preceded in death by his mother, Johanna Mia Gibbons (Nee Luyten). As well as his son, Jeremiah Murray Gibbons; and brother, Christopher Gibbons.

Pierre is survived by his daughter, Taylor Gibbons; his devoted father, B. David Gibbons, Jr.; daughter in law, Rachel Gibbons; siblings, David Gibbons (Anne), Patricia Elizabeth Gibbons and Mia Julianne Engel (Seth). He was also a cherished grandfather to Spencer Gibbons, Mia Gibbons and Scarlett Gibbons. Pierre will be dearly missed by his many nieces, nephews, and a vast number of friends whose lives he touched.

Pierre proudly served in the United States Navy, embodying a sense of duty and courage that defined his character. In 2019, his remarkable bravery earned him the Carnegie Medal for Heroism after he risked his life to save his elderly neighbor from a house fire, an act that left him with severe burns and a profound testament to his unwavering commitment to others. This selfless act was only a reflection of the man he was—one who never met a stranger and possessed a personality that would linger in the hearts of those who knew him.