News Summary
Mike Gibbons, the prominent Fairview Park investment banker and former U.S. Senate candidate, has died at 73 after a heart attack. Known for his philanthropy and dedication to conservative causes, Gibbons co-founded Brown Gibbons Lang & Company and had a successful career in investment banking. He also made significant contributions to the Republican party and served on various charity boards. His passing has prompted condolences from notable politicians and community members who admired his character and contributions.
Fairview Park – Mike Gibbons, a prominent Fairview Park investment banker and former Republican U.S. Senate candidate, passed away at the age of 73 after suffering a heart attack on Sunday evening. His death was confirmed by his investment firm, Brown Gibbons Lang & Company. At the time of his passing, Gibbons was visiting his son Ryan in Norway. Funeral arrangements for him are currently pending.
Gibbons was a self-made millionaire known for his philanthropic efforts and generous contributions to conservative causes. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland and played college football at Kenyon College. He later earned a master’s degree in business management from Case Western Reserve University and a law degree from Cleveland State University.
Co-founding Brown Gibbons Lang & Company in 1989, Gibbons cultivated a successful career in investment banking, building a fortune estimated between $83 million and $286 million by 2021. His journey into politics saw him run for a U.S. Senate seat in both 2018 and 2022. In 2018, Gibbons finished second in the Republican primary to Jim Renacci, receiving about 32% of the vote. In the subsequent 2022 primary, he finished fourth behind J.D. Vance, garnering approximately 12% of the vote.
An ardent supporter of President Donald Trump, Gibbons was recognized as a major Republican donor and even co-chaired fundraising efforts for Trump’s 2016 campaign in Ohio. However, during his political endeavors, Gibbons reportedly encountered challenges in the political landscape. He struggled with the fundraising aspect of campaigning and often expressed feelings of hurt and betrayal from his experiences in politics.
In his later years, Gibbons shifted his focus towards charity work, notably serving as the board chairman of the Values-in-Action Foundation, which is dedicated to promoting kindness and respect among individuals. Friends and colleagues remember him as a kind-hearted person who welcomed people from diverse political backgrounds and whose cheerful demeanor left a lasting impact on those around him.
Surviving Gibbons are his wife Diane, their five children, and several grandchildren. His passing was first reported by Karen Kasler, a journalist with Ohio Public Media. Following the news, various notable Republicans, including Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and gubernatorial hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy, extended their condolences and praised Gibbons for his character and positive contributions.
Throughout his life, Gibbons made significant contributions both in the business arena and the political world, characterized by his commitment to his community and dedication to civic engagement. His legacy includes not only his success as an entrepreneur but also his efforts to uplift others through charitable initiatives.
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- Crain’s Cleveland
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