John “Jack” Weldon Tibbetts, of Allentown, died May 29, 2026. He was the husband of Carol R. Stokes and Nancy Wolff Weikert.

Born in San Diego, Calif., he was a son of John W. and Lyndle (Shields) Tibbetts.

Growing up the son of a career Naval officer, he and his family moved about the country many times.

He graduated from Hingham High School in Hingham, Mass., and enrolled at Duke University where he earned a degree in business. While at Duke, he joined the Naval ROTC program and played on the Blue Devils freshman basketball team.

He was commissioned as a Naval officer and enrolled in Naval flight school. After completing training, he was deployed as a carrier pilot flying Grumman S2F Trackers, embarking on multiple cruises.

Leaving the Navy in 1966, he joined Eastern Airlines, piloting domestic routes in the DC-9, B727, A-300 and L-1011, attaining the rank of captain. After Eastern, he flew for Atlas Air Cargo, also attaining the rank of captain on the B747 in 1997.

Upon his retirement from Atlas, he became an avid supporter of local aviation, joining friends six days a week at Queen City Airport.

He was a member of the Quiet Birdmen.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Drew and wife Susan; a daughter, Margaret Tibbetts and husband Rich Thompson; a sister-in-law, Mary Bruce Buchanan; and two grandchildren, Delaney Morris and Jasper Morris.

His celebration of life will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Contributions may be made to CONCERN Professional Services for Children, Youth and Families, 1 W. Main St., Fleetwood, 19522.

Arrangements were made by Gilbert Funeral Home Inc., Whitehall.