WPI Alumnus' Estate Gives School $578K

Courtesy Gerald Bibeault

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By Rick Saia

A Worcester Polytechnic Institute alumnus who died two years ago has left part of his estate to his alma mater.

Gerald J. Bibeault, a lifelong resident of Putnam, Conn., donated $578,000 to WPI, one of five organizations who will receive $1.5 million in gifts, according to a statement from Day Kimball Healthcare, a medical services provider in Northeastern Connecticut, one of the five recipients.

Bibeault died in September 2011 at the age of 95. He graduated from WPI in 1942 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

"Gerry was a quiet, unassuming man passionate about the charities to which he left his estate," said Thomas A. Borner, president and CEO of Putnam Bank in Putnam, Conn., and the estate attorney for Bibeault.

The other organizations and their awards were:

• Day Kimball Healthcare: $289,000;

• Williston Northampton School of Easthampton, where Bibeault also studied: $578,000,

• YMCA of Greater Hartford: $50,000; and

• St. Mary Church, Putnam, Conn.: $5,000.

Borner said Bibeault accumulated his wealth working as an engineer for Sikorsky Aircraft.

"He believed in the importance of education and having a safe, nurturing environment for families and the positive outcomes these provide to our youth," Borner said.

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