Albert L. Gibboney

Al Gibboney, 93, of Riverside, California, son of Albert L. and Eva K. Gibboney, passed away on February 22, 2023 after an extended battle with Alzheimers Disease. Al is survived by his sons, Gregg and Todd Gibboney, his daughter Kelly Hopson, daughter-in-law Therese Gibboney, son-in-law Mark Hopson, and three grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his mother, father, sister Doris of San Antonio, Texas, sister Peggy of Altoona, Pennsylvania, and brother Donald of Van Nuys, California. Albert was born on December 9, 1929 in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Altoona High School, he left home at 21 to serve in the U.S. Air Force and was based in the Johnson Islands. Upon his return home, he met Norma Jean Burr and they were married in 1956. The couple soon moved west, settling in Los Angeles where he held a position at W.J. Sloan, a prominent furniture store in Beverly Hills. Shortly thereafter, Al advanced his career in Design at McEwen’s in Redlands before starting a very successful design studio partnership there. Following several successful projects, he became a member of the National Society of Interior Design. One prominent project, among many, was the Miller House for the owners of Miller Honey in Grand Terrace, an extremely innovative and luxurious custom home. In 1972, he moved to Rancho Mirage to further his design career and pursue his passion of tennis. A life-long sports fan, he never missed his beloved Pirates and Steelers, any college basketball or football game, and of course the major tennis championships. While living in the desert, Al played in many tennis tournaments himself, with outstanding results in both singles and doubles at Hyatt Grand Champions, Rancho Las Palmas and La Quinta. After decades as an Interior Designer, Al acquired Vivant Interiors of Rancho Mirage in the 1980’s. In 2000 he retired and as the effects of Alzheimers began, he relocated back to Redlands in order to be closer to family. Albert Lovell Gibboney was one-of-a-kind. Known as “a cool cat” and always the life of the party, his love of music (especially Frank Sinatra), design, art, fashion and automobiles was unmatched. He will be deeply missed by both family and friends. A private memorial service will take place later this month. Please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in lieu of flowers.