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Joseph Gillen Obituary
April 21, 2015
Joseph Anthony Gillen, 79, of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Wyomissing, PA, passed away April 21, 2015. He was born on Sept. 13, 1935 in Bethlehem, PA to the late Joseph A. and Mary (Schwoyer) Gillen. Joseph attended the Bethlehem High School, the Moravian Prep School, Bates College and the University of Cincinnati. He served in the US Army from 1958 to 1964 earning the US Army Commendation Medal along with numerous other medals. Joseph was employed primarily by Municipal Water Operations in Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Patricia Thompson Gillen; siblings, George P. Gillen, MD of Bethlehem, PA and Ann Gillen Fulkerson of Burke, VA; 5 nephews; 2 nieces and many cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Thomas Gillen.
Joseph was a member of the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary and Rotary Council. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus of Light of Christ Council 8726 in Sinking Spring, PA and was Past Faithful Navigator of Pius IX Assembly 930 of Reading, PA. Joseph was a member of the Young Republican Club of Wyomissing, PA.
Joseph enjoyed tennis, fishing, golf and travel. After retirement he wrote critiques for numerous cruise lines and hotels. He was known for his warm outgoing personality.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 30th, at 10:30 AM at Church of the Resurrection, 8121 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers followed by interment with Military Honors at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 29th, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. www.woundedwarriorproject.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Gillen
April 29, 2015
Sorry to hear about Joe. We grew up across the street from the Gillens in Bethlehem. Sincere sympathy from Lolly, Diane and Dan Garland and families.
Kim Brownson
April 28, 2015
May God keep you in his loving embrace.
Gary Rhoads
April 28, 2015
Trish,
I was sorry to learn of Joe's passing. I think the last time I saw him was when you had come back to Wyomissing for a 4th of July parade. Joe supported me in my desire to get into the Air National Guard while at Western Berks and for that I will always be grateful.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Gary & Sue
Mike & Caroline Bainbridge
April 28, 2015
Sorry to hear this Trish, our thoughts are with you.
Ronald Doss
April 27, 2015
Sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. We went up to Copenhagen together in 1960 and had a swell time. I knew him in the ASA in Frankfurt. He will be missed.
Judy Westcott
April 27, 2015
Dear Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about Joe. I so remember him from spending Sunday dinners with you and your family. I didn't realize he was living in Fort Myers. Garry lived most of his childhood. We will be thinking of you and your family and keeping you in our prayers. Love, Judy and Garry
Dean Keller
April 27, 2015
Trish,
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I am glad I got to meet with you and Joe last April. I enjoyed discussing with Joe our time in the ASA together. God Speed Joe.
April 26, 2015
I'm sorry to hear about Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cletus Pritchett.
Kent Hollinger
April 26, 2015
Trish...
Mary and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and Joe's family. He was truly an inspiration to so many. Even though we have had no contact in recent years, his memory will always be there.
Take comfort knowing others share in your loss...
Kent
Joe Lombardo
April 26, 2015
Dear Trish,
Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers go out to you in Joe's passing. He will surely be missed, but we should remember Joe for all of his caring ways, great conversation and inspiration he shared with us.
May God bring you peace and comfort.
Love Joe and Lois Lombardo
Kathie Fine
April 24, 2015
Miss you Joe. Thoughts and prayers are with your family. RIP.
Pamela and Clinton Brown
April 23, 2015
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
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Apr
29
Calling hours
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home9231 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Apr
30
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