Jack Gibertini

Conductor Jack Gibertini didn’t set out to build a railroad career. In fact, he was well into another profession before deciding it was time for a change.

Gibertini joined the Belt at age 44 after working in retail, including 10-plus years at a Sony warehouse and its Gallery of Consumer Electronics on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

“Reinventing myself was a little frightening, but I really needed a new start,” said Gibertini, who noted the store closed in 2006.

After that, he drove 16-foot box trucks for a carpentry company.

Gibertini credits Conductor David Sleeper with helping him learn the intricacies of switching and develop confidence and a sense of belonging early in his railroad career.

“My co-workers at the Belt are really good at what they do; I’ve learned a lot from them,” he said.

As safety remains central to his work, Gibertini described the constant awareness required, stating, “It’s about moving cars safely as you’re walking down the tracks.”

 Individuals such as Trainmaster Jeff Zoeteman appreciate Gibertini’s consistency and effort.

“Jack is always focused; he has a positive attitude and is willing to do anything that’s asked of him,” Zoeteman said. “I’ve enjoyed working with him over the years.”

More about Gibertini

After playing second baseman with his teams in high school and at Thornton Community College (now South Suburban College), Gibertini has stayed active with various sports over the years, including roller and ice hockey.

Cheered on by his wife, Jen, Gibertini said, “I enjoyed playing ice hockey. I was never the best, but it kept me active and it was fun.”

Running has also become a significant part of Gibertini’s life. He and his wife completed their first Chicago Marathon in 2008. He’s since run 21 marathons and plans to participate in Chicago this October.

For Gibertini, each race carries a personal meaning as he dedicates them to people who’ve positively influenced his life. This includes his parents, Ron and Elaine, and a family friend, Col. John Burbules, who is buried in the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

“I think about them as I run,” he said.

At home, Gibertini and his wife share their space with three rescue cats who are frequent subjects of another longtime interest, photography, which started while he worked for Sony. He still carries a camera with him on drives so he can pull over and take a photo. He enjoys capturing candid moments, particularly of his pets.

“They’re always natural,” he said. “If you catch them at the right time, you get a good picture — a unique moment.”