EUGENE M. GILLEN

FUNERAL HOME

Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring

500 University Blvd. West

Silver Spring, Maryland

EUGENE GILLEN Obituary

EUGENE M. GILLEN
On Thursday, January 31, 2013, of Stuart, FL. Beloved husband of Nancy Miller Gillen; father of Christopher, Alexander, Eugene Shea and Katherine Gillen; brother of Joseph (Marylu) Gillen, Dennis Gillen, Eileen (Richard) Biava, Christopher (Patricia) Gillen, M. Kathleen Gillen and Maureen Gillen; son-in-law of Joseph Miller; brother-in-law of Susan Miller. Also survived by six nieces; three nephews; their families; extended family from Pennsylvania and many friends. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Holy Redeemer Church, Summit Ave & Cable Drive, Kensington, MD, on Saturday, February 9, at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to S.O.M.E., (So Others Might Eat) 71 'O' Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, www.some.org www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com

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Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for EUGENE GILLEN

8 Entries

Tommy Ryan

February 19, 2013

Gene was a great guy with a warm and welcoming personality. He had a great sense of humor, an open and inquiring mind and a contagious optimism. He left a wonderful legacy as Nancy's loving husband of 41 years and the father of four great kids. Chris, Alex, Shea and Katie, your Dad was so proud of you, and, as one who grew up with Eugene and shared many youthful experiences with him, I marveled at his becoming a devoted family man while remaining truly young at heart as his responsibilities grew. He was a rare combination of intelligence, wit, accomplishment and humility, and I will always carry great memories of him.

Jeannie Cahill

February 8, 2013

I always had a crush on Eugene with those fabulous dimples - simply, the nicest guy.

Andrea Whittaker

February 8, 2013

Gene…a loving, compassionate, exceptionally intelligent, naturally intuitive guy, knowledgeable in ways of science, in ways of humanity and in living life fully. You are a unique man, independently thinking and living, dedicated to your family and friends. You are an exceptional human being. But in life, there is death, too soon for you my dear friend, too soon for your family and the many friends who were blessed by knowing you and being a part of your life. Your passing is a great loss for all of us.

Yet, in death there is a new life. A life in our Lord's presence, at His table. You are now celebrating the gift that we all were promised. WOW! There is no more suffering, no more pain, no more looking into the frightened eyes of Nancy and your children as you drew nearer and nearer to crossing into the dimension of purity and a peace that we will only know when we cross too. It is those that you leave behind that continue to suffer because of your absence, loving you, missing you, hurting, questioning….

But in crossing, we need to remember that to live in the hearts and lives of those you leave behind is really not to die. We see you when we look in the eyes and at the faces of your children. It is them that continue to live, unknowingly carrying on your ambitions here on earth, as if it was their own. Their accomplishments, their choices and their aspirations are because you lived. You gave them an invaluable gift by example (most of the time) in loving and respecting, being dedicated and committed to their mother in the longevity of your marriage to Nancy. It is a lesson in steadfastness and tenacity and passes on the real meaning of commitment, by what you gave. Your example, your genes (no pun intended) and the strong gentility of your parenting have molded them into who they are and who they aspire to be. And it will live on and will bring joy as one of your children recognizes one of your strong traits as one of your grandchildren performs it. You are brilliant in so many ways. Good journey my friend. I will see you when I get there.

Nancy…..I don't know how to begin. I cannot imagine your deep loss and pain right now. I am so sorry that this happened to Gene, to you, to the kids. I miss you and the kids so much. You are a loving, strong, tender, intuitive, amazing women that I look up to. You and Gene shared so many traits I write. I have learned so much from you in the days you lived in Florida, especially your parenting and calmness in the tween-twenty years.

I wish there was a way of my coming up to comfort you. No flights, I checked. Please know that I am there next to you in my thoughts. With each thought I have I am sending you blessings. I send you a twinkling of the strength that you taught me. I send you a wave of the warmth that radiated from your home and family…to comfort you now. I send you a big, tight embrace, not wanting to let go, reassuring you with a sense of well-being and security. I send you the blessing of peaceful mindfulness to know that Gene is okay and he will continue to be with you; he is a part of you as you are a part of him. It hasn't changed, just your location has. He will help guide you to resilience.

I am so blessed to have had you and Gene in my life. I am a better person because of you and your children…I love you.

Joe Forehead Dougherty

February 7, 2013

Eugene was a smart and intriguing person. We had many a fine time in our formative years.My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the children. Hope to see Eugene on the other side.

Jim Boland

February 7, 2013

I was very sad to hear this news. Gene was plain & simple just a great guy!
My thoughts & prayers are with you Nancy, and the rest of the Gillen Family.

February 7, 2013

To the Gillen Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. It is brightened only by the fond memories of Gene. Bless all of you.

Terry Ryan DiNofia

February 7, 2013

Gene dear cousin, you were a calming and gentle soul, I always felt safe and loved, in your presence.
Even though your journey here was short, Your Gentle kindness touched more people then you know.. We are Heartbroken you had to leave us so soon. but you now reside in the House of Our Lord.
Surrounded joyously by all the family.
Keep us in your prayers as we will keep you.
Rest forever peaceful
Your loving cousin
Terry

Frank Ryan

February 6, 2013

Gene was revered in our neighborhood and I'm sure everywhere he lived because of his kindness and genuine interest in others. Whenever I had the good fortune to spend time with Gene over the years, I always felt enriched and blessed. His great intellect and wit were a rare combination. Living next door to Gene was like having a 6th brother. Deepest sympathy and prayers.

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