Donald “Wishy” Gillis Obituary in Rockland at Magoun-Biggins

Obituaries

Donald "Wishy" Gillis

05/01/1932 - 06/22/2019

Obituary For Donald "Wishy" Gillis

Donald A. Gillis "Wishy",87, of North Port Fl, formerly of Rockland, died on June 22, 2019.Donald was born on May 1, 1932, son of the late John and Jessie (MacLennen) Gillis. Wishy was raised and educated in Rockland. Donald joined the Army in 1952. He served with the 2nd Mortar Battalion in Korea. He was employed by the HH Arnold Company for 39 years as a machinist until his retirement. Wishy was a devoted parishioner at The Holy Family Church in Rockland for over 60 years having served the parish in many capacities. Mr. Gillis loved the game of hockey. He was a talented player and coach for many years. He also enjoyed playing softball, having played and coached in The Rockland Softball League for many years. As a big fan of Rockland High School sports, Wishy regularly attended the boy's basketball games for some 40 years. Mr. Gillis is survived by his devoted Wife of 61 years, Joan M. (Collyer) Gillis of Rockland. Father of Scott Gillis of FL, Sharon Gillis of FL, and Susan Gillis and her significant other, Joseph McArdle of Quincy. Brother of Patricia Burns, Alexander Gillis, Mary Steppe John Gillis, Florence White, Theresa Haggerty, Margaret Ryan, Neil Gillis, and Joseph Gillis. Brother in law of, Nancy Carle, Edith Ferguson, and Irene Collyer. Grandfather of Steven, Donald, and the late Alec Gillis and Shayne Redmond and Cassidy Redmond. Also survived by, 6 great-grandchildren, many friends, nieces, and nephews. The Gillis Family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Wishy's life in The Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home Rockland MA 02370 on Sunday July 7, 2019 from 2:00-5:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday July 8, 2019 at 9:00 AM in The Holy Family Church in Rockland. Burial will follow in The Holy Family Cemetery in Rockland.

Services

7 Jul

Visitation

14:00 PM - 17:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »

8 Jul

Interment

Holy Family Cemetery 92 Centre Ave Rockland, MA Get Directions »

8 Jul

Funeral Mass

09:00 AM

Holy Family Church 403 Union St. Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

05/26/2021

Terry Collyer

I'm sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for you and your family
05/26/2021

Frankie&Marie Mangio

To our long time friend fun to be with always lots of laughs good card games. We will miss you Wishy Love You RIP. Frankie & Marie
05/26/2021

Joan
I'm sorry for your loss, I have very found memories of Wishy when he worked for H H Arnold,
He will be missed
Joyce Arnold
05/26/2021

Mike Casey(former Ma resident)

Mr. Gillis,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served with the U.S. Army in Korea fighting the communist North Koreans and Chinese. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
05/26/2021

jack mcgrath

Scott,Sharon & family so sorry for your loss. Mr Gillis thank You for your Sacrifice & service for me & Our Country. RIP Sir..
05/26/2021

Ruth DeMaria

We will miss our weekly dinners in Florida but know you are no longer in pain. Our love and prayers to Joanie and your family. Bob and Ruth DeMaria
05/26/2021

Mike & Loretta Nelson

The Gillis Family, Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike & Loretta Nelson
05/26/2021

Peter Crowley

Sorry to hear about the passing of Wishy. He was a good friend and teammate of my Dad's and I'll always remember that I attended my first Red Sox game with him and Scott and my Dad. A real Rockland icon. He will be missed. RIP Wishy.
05/26/2021

David Cable

I am sorry to hear of wishy passing. He was a great man. I remember he would sometimes stop me on my dirt bike as I rode down his lane.I always enjoyed our visits.i know my father and wishy played hockey on the same ice at times. They may have even chatted on occasion.I was lucky enough to have had a few short visits with wishy while in my late 40's I will always remember the time you took out for me to share a story or a laugh. I will miss you my friend. ❤
05/26/2021

Robert Collyer

Words fall short of expressing my sorrow for your loss, May fond memories of Wishy bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
05/26/2021

Nick Del Prete

Joan, Scott, Sharon & Sue, So sorry for your loss. I will miss him always. He was always good to me and a very funny guy. If you all ever need me you know where to reach me. Love you all.
05/26/2021

Judi Holliday

Sorry for your loss Susan, my family sends you and your family love and prayers.
05/26/2021

David Griffith

Hi Joan, So sorry for your loss. You know he is in a better place and having a cup of tea with Anne Griffith.
My prayers and condolences.
David Griffith