Longtime math, science teacher Bibeault dies

Friday, March 11, 2005 | 9:07 a.m.

The Rev. Norbert P. Bibeault, a physics and math teacher at Bishop Gorman High School for 35 years whose dedication to his students long after they graduated made him an endearing fixture at the Catholic school, has died. He was 74.

School officials said he died Sunday after a lengthy battle with cancer at Life Care Center of Paradise Valley.

Former Rep. James Bilbray, in a 1990 statement for the Congressional Record, called Bibeault "an inspiration to us all."

Services were Thursday at Guardian Angel Cathedral. A private burial service was scheduled for today at Davis Memorial Gardens, 6200 S. Eastern Ave.

School officials are remembering Bibeault as a man whose dedication was synonymous with the principles for which Bishop Gorman stands.

"When many people think of Bishop Gorman the first person they think of is Father Bibeault," said Assistant Principal Aggie Evert.

"He was dedicated to educating his students and believed strongly in the youths' ability to learn math, physics and science. And he cared about their future and kept in touch with them long after they graduated from college."

Evert said former students requested that Bibeault perform their wedding ceremonies or baptize their children.

"He was such an intricate part of our lives," Evert said. "He had such charisma."

On April 18, 1990, Bilbray entered into the House of Representatives record a tribute to Bibeault, noting the priest was to be the honoree for the school's "Spring Fling" event, where he was to be lauded for "his unselfish contributions and dedication to the children and families of Bishop Gorman."

Of Bibeault's dedication to respond to the questions and concerns of his students, Bilbray said for the Congressional Record: "I have heard it said many times during Father Bibeault's tenure at Bishop Gorman, 'If you can throw it, catch it, hit it or pitch it, Father Bibeault will be there.'

"Father Bibeault has been one of the most well respected and admired faculty members ever to grace the halls of Bishop Gorman High School. His students all hold him in high acclaim and affection because they know he truly cares about each and every one of them. ... (He) serves as an inspiration to us all."

Born July 15, 1930, in Hartford Conn., Bibeault was one of five children and the only son of Philip and Valarie Bibeault. At age 18, Bibeault joined the Viatorian order.

In 1952 Bibeault graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa, where he received his bachelor of arts degree in mathematics. On Aug. 15, 1956, Bibeault was ordained a priest by Cardinal Samuel Stritch in Chicago.

Two years later Bibeault earned a master's degree in physics from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

He first taught at Roman Catholic high schools in Illinois and New Hampshire before becoming principal at St. Viator High School in Chicago in 1967. A year later he transferred to Bishop Gorman. He taught there through the 2003-04 school year. He did not return last fall because of his illness, Evert said.

Bibeault is survived by four sisters, Cecile Bibeault, Theresa Bibeault, Marie Bibeault and Marguerite Hayes, all of Connecticut.

The family said donations can be made in Bibeault's memory to the Bishop Gorman High School Scholarship Fund.