John W. Gillis Jr.

john w. gillis jr.
Greece: Passed away after a long, courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family on March 20, 2011. Predeceased by his parents, John and Sophie Gillis. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 44 years, Pamela (Sloan); Sons, Ronald (fiancée Amy and her children, Britany and Brendon), Craig (Susan), Brian (Kelly); Daughter, Kimberly; grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler, Brianna, Austin, Heather; grand dogs, Yogi and Minnie; Sisters, Elaine (John) Finelli, Marianne (Steve) Servis; nieces, nephews and many good friends. John was born in Taylor, PA on October 31,1942. He was a proud Navy Veteran and a caring and devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather who always put his family first. An employee of Eastman Kodak, he retired after 36 years of service. He was an avid NY Yankee and Penn State football fan. A true sports enthusiast with a passion for playing golf with family and friends. Friends may call Wednesday 1-3 & 6-9 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road, Greece Chapel. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 9:00 AM at Our Mother of Sorrows Church. Entombment, White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice in his memory.

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  1. Although I did not know John personally, we are very close friends with his son Craig and his daughter in law Sue and their lovely children and we know that the love that was displayed for their dad, father-in-law and grandfather was enormous. We can only imagine what a wonderful person he was by the way Craig talked about him and admired him and of course by the way his son turned out. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family and know that we are praying for all of you in this time of sorrow. May God shed all of his many blessings upon you in your time of need. Stephanie and Jon Iannotti

  2. Aunt Pam and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May your faith be strong knowing Uncle John suffers no more and your sweet memories a source of comfort. Sending our love to all of you.

    -Anita Jean and Family

  3. Dear Pam and family, John was my supervisor for several years at Kodak.He was a class act man to work for and just to be around.. Good times on the golf course with John B., Bob B, Tom P. Our prayers are with you and your family..Bruce Ingraham

  4. Dear Pam and Family,
    John was not only my supervisor for many years but a true friend and a class act. My thougths and prayers are with you and your family.
    Amy & Scott

  5. Dear Pam and Family:

    We were so sorry to hear the sad news about John and please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We could not visit as we are both not feeling well but we will be in touch.

    We hope your precious memories will help sustain you during this difficult time.

    Fondly, Barbara and Ken

  6. I had to pleasure to serve with John and to be a teammate with John on Okinawa in the early 60s. He was a wonderful person and a helluva ballplayer. My condolences to you and your family.

  7. I have this feeling there is one more star up in the sky tonight. And even though its far away its brightness and warmth still reach us here to make the night a little less dark.. Prayful thoughts are with the entire family. Harry & Yvonne

  8. In addition to his family, John will be missed by all his Navy friends. He was a true friend that will be missed by all who knew him.

  9. KIMMY..and family,

    I am so sorry about your loss. Your dad was awesome and funny.

    Thinking of yous

    Debra, Bryan, Cameron & Devyn

  10. My thoughts once again wander to the Walt Whitman verse…’O captain, My Captain…’ John captained our Navy Softball team in 1963-64.. We were champions both years under his leadership and determination. A finer man I’ve never known. You Children & Grandchildren should be very proud to posess his generous genes. God Bless you all………….

  11. Pam and all the family, we are very sorry for your loss. I will miss my golfing partner very much and all the good times we shared. Thank you for allowing me the honor of being a pallbearer and joining the family for lunch.

  12. Pam, Ronnie, Brian , Craig, and Kim,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I am glad I got to spend the week with you: laughter, tears and reminiscing.
    The sorrow we all feel is made bareable by the comfort and caring of so many friends.

  13. Pam;

    So sorry to hear about John. My deepest sympathies to you and all your family. Time passes too quickly. There were a lot of good days in the old Kodak.
    Be well

    Frank

  14. Rest in peace John. Your reward will be eternal life with our Father in heaven We are proud to be a part of your family.

  15. Ron and I attended a performance last evening and Nancy Rogers told us about John’s passing. I did not know this had happened and we extend our condolences to you and your family. We only get the newspaper on Sunday and so I did not see the listing in the paper. We are so very sorry to lose this fine man, neighbor and family man. Please let us know if we can help in any way.

  16. To the entire Gillis family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your husband, father and grandfather will be truly missed by us. I will always remember his witty remarks and how I had to be on my ‘A’ game when he was around :). I’m sure he is already playing some great golf amonst the heavens.

    God Bless,
    The Wamplers (Aaron, Linda, Brandon and Ashlee)


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