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William Gilman Obituary
Born in Westerly on Sept. 29, 1942, he was the son of the late Milton N. and Thelma (Roberts) Gilman.
Mr. Gilman retired as the President of Western Mass Blasting after 40 years. He was an EMT and charter member of the Hope Valley Ambulance Corps, coached Chariho Little League and was a former member of the Hope Valley Fire Department. He also served as Town Sergeant for the Town of Hopkinton.
Bill loved working around his yard and maintaining his fish pond at his home overlooking Locustville.
Besides his loving wife of over 48 years, he will be sadly missed by his three sons, William W. Gilman Jr. and his wife Frances of Richmond, Michael N. Gilman and his wife Heidi of Ashaway and James T. Gilman and his wife Deanna of Stonington. He also leaves his brother, John A. Gilman and his wife Diane of Hope Valley. He was the loving grandfather of William W. Gilman III, Colin T. Gilman, Courtney A. Gilman, Rachel A. Gilman, Jacob J. Gilman, Adam J. Gilman, Bryan A. Hall, Brandon G. Hall, and Kate C. Hall.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the S.R. Avery Funeral Home, 3A Bank St., Hope Valley.
Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Home and Hospice Care of Rhode Island, 143 Main St., Wakefield, RI 02879, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th floor, Brookline, MA 02445-7226 or Hope Valley, Ambulance Corps., P.O. Box 205, Hope Valley, RI 02832.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Gilman
May 14, 2010
oUR DEEPEST SYMATHY TO ALBERTA, AND FAMILY.LET YOUR FOND MEMORIES HELP YOU THROUGH THESE DAYS.
ALLEN &FLO VICKERS
May 14, 2010
oUR DEEPEST SYMATHY TO ALBERTA, AND FAMILY.LET YOUR FOND MEMORIES HELP YOU THROUGH THESE DAYS.
Tina Gilluly
May 11, 2010
Alberta
i was so saddened to read of Bill's passing.I know that he will be missed by all who knew him.Let the memories comfort you and your family. God Bless You And the Gilman Family..
You will be in my prayers. With Love, Tina
Estelle Beaudry
May 11, 2010
He was a well respected, fun loving family man. I am proud to have had him in my life. I love all the Gilman boys and Momma is the best.
Sincerely,
Stella & Ray
Cheryl Tefft
May 9, 2010
Alberta,
I was sad to hear about Bill. He was a very nice person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May 9, 2010
Dear Alberta,
Please accept our condolances.
Joseph & Karen Escher
Jennie Stanley /Garberg
May 9, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 9, 2010
Thoughts and prayers from Aunt Priscilla and cousin Jackie and family.
Wendy (Murvine) Lindley & Family
May 8, 2010
To the entire Gilman family,
It is with my deepest sympathy and sorrow to learn of your husband's, dad's, grandfather's loss. May the support and comfort from all your friends and acquaintances help get you through this difficult time. May you find comfort knowing Bill is now resting comfortable in the next journey of life and living with you in your hearts, watching over you. Please find comfort knowing your friends and loved ones are surrounding you with comfort during this difficult time. God Bless you all.
Mike Egan
May 7, 2010
My thoughts & prayers are with the Gilman family.
Kelly Parker
May 7, 2010
Gilman Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. The loss of a family member from such a close family will be very difficult. Please accept our sympathy as our hearts go out to all of you.
Your old freinds and neighbors,
Kelly, Ryan, Mitchell, and Meaghan Parker
May 7, 2010
I am so sorry for loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Albert,Nowelle, & Sally Grills
Rosemary Morgan-Lee
May 7, 2010
To the Gilman family,
As you know, you are a beautiful family blessed with a great man, Mr Gilman as I call him.
We, the Morgans, know you are an extension of our family.
Mrs. Gilman, the other day, you said you 'did the best you could,' well....you did everything RIGHT as there was no greater gift to give him nor greater task to endure, not only caring for a person with a terminal illness all these years, but caring for a person who has your heart.
Mrs. Gilman,you also brought him home before his final resting place to his family and friends, comforted him and let love surround him so he could be at peace.
Although the pain is real and present, the wounds will heal, scars toughen the heart, but memories never forgotten.
As well, thank you for sharing Mr. Gilman with my father, giving one of the greatest gifts to another human, A TRUE FRIEND. A true friend always looks past flaws, always there, never looks away and Mr. Gilman was there for over 60 years of friendship.Words cannot express how much, as you know, Mr. Gilman IS to my father. These men passed this true friendship down to their sons without question.
My thought and prayers with all of you
to give you strength during this difficult time.
May this light shine during this time of darkness.
debbra gardiner
May 6, 2010
I am sorry on your loss. I will pray for you and your family. Love Debbie Gardiner& family
May 6, 2010
To the Gilman Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of you friend, husband, father and grandfather...
Sincerely,
Betty Tracy
Dustin & BilliSue Flint
May 6, 2010
Gilman Family
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Terry Cahoon
May 6, 2010
The the entire Gilman family,
Our condolences for the loss of your loved one, Bill Sr. Husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Bill will be sadly missed by all. My you find comfort in your loving memories.
Sincerely, Scott and Terry Cahoon (Hope Valley, RI)
Sherri Desjardins
May 6, 2010
Mike, Bill and the entire Gilman family- so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to all.
Sincerely,
Sherri (Miller) Desjardins
May 6, 2010
Berta,
I am so sorry your husband, and best friend has left! He is up there in heaven no longer suffering! Bill was loved by many people and will be sadly missed. If you need anything please give me a call. You and the boys are in my prayers. Love yas, Kathy Carrasquillo
Catherine Presley
May 6, 2010
To Bill, Fran, Billy and the rest of the Gilman Family. My thoughts are with you today in hearing of your loss of The Patriarch of your family. May he rest in peace and you find peace and solace in knowing he is in a much better place.
Catherine Naylor-Price-Presley
Treasure Hetrick
May 5, 2010
We'll love you always, Bill
Treasure & Jerry
Jerry and Scott
Bob and Joan Thompson
May 5, 2010
Berta and all of the family- You all have wonderful memories to cherish. My most frequent thought is of the Sunday morning breakfasts including little Billy and Courtney..... We will all miss him. Bob and Joan Romanoff Thompson
John Neumann
May 5, 2010
May you find Peace and Serenity knowing that your Husband, Father, Grandfather Bill is in heaven with his Father and that over a million people are praying that you overcome this difficult time.
Lorraine Serio
May 5, 2010
"Mike" and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. I know that many have been blessed to know him. I pray for yours and their sorrow at this time.
Amy Baton Clark
May 5, 2010
In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will miss seeing your smiling face at the post office!!
May 5, 2010
Alberta & family, So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. My deepest sympathies go out to you & your family. Jim & Cindy (Holland) Brady
Herbert Matteson
May 5, 2010
To the Gilman Family I offer my my sincere sympathy and Prayers for you.
Your Friend. Herb Matteson
Keith & Suzanne Williams
May 5, 2010
To the entire Gilman family,
We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. We have always heard what a wonderful man he was. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
James Dias
May 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sherry and Jamie Hull
May 4, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
May 4, 2010
To The Gilman Family my thoughts and prayers. Joe Lallo Palmyra Tn.
Deana Manfredi
May 4, 2010
It is with great sadness that we learned of the monumental loss of Mr. Gilman. Having known him primarily through our longstanding friendship with Mike, Heidi, Courtney & Rachel, as well as through his and Mrs. Gilman's friendship with my parents, I viewed him as a pillar in the community, as well as a model family man. His family and friends are fortunate to share in his legacy, and are richer for having known him.
With deepest sympathy,
Deana (Harrison) Manfredi & family
Jack & Valerie Grills
May 4, 2010
Bert, Billie, Mike, and Jimmy
Friends and neighbors in our small town have certainly lost a wonderful individual. Bill will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers will forever be with you.
Gallucci Joseph & Rosamaria
May 4, 2010
The Gilman Family,
I would like to send our deepist sympathy to Mike and his family during thier loss.
May 4, 2010
Alberta & Family....Growing up in Hope Valley, Billy was always a smiling face and a positive force. He will be missed by everyone that knew him! Our condolences go out to you. Dave & Peggy MacKay, Shawnee, KS
Edward Veal & Family
May 4, 2010
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010
Rick Irwin
May 4, 2010
To the whole Gilman family,
Sorry to hear about your loss of a great man. He will be never forgotten and will always be in your heart and mine as well. God bless the rest of the family and peace be with you all.
darcy gallagher
May 4, 2010
to the entire gilman family ,,
so so sorry for your loss ,,,,my prayers are with you at this time
Ann & Bob Lawrence
May 4, 2010
Dear Bert & Family:
We are still in Florida and just read the sad news in the Westerly Sun. We
cannot say in words how sorry we are to hear this sad news. We feel bad that we are not home and want you to know how sorry we are to lose our good friend. We will always remember the good times we had with you and Bill. We are praying for you and the family.
It's very difficult to express how we feel.
Most sincerely.
Ann & Bob Lawrence
Kerri Vaughn
May 4, 2010
To the entire Gilman Family my sincere sympathy goes out to you all.
Suzanne Flint
May 4, 2010
Bert and family
you're in our thoughts at this difficult time. Bill was a great man and a
wonderful husband and father, and loved his family deeply. Our prayers
are with you. Don and Suzanne Kenney Flint and family
Tom and Kathy Brown
May 4, 2010
We are sorry for your loss, but know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. God Bless
May 3, 2010
There is no finer man than Mr. Gilman. A great loss to the family and to the community. Mr. Gilman lead the way for many with pride and joy. He will always be remembered fondly and will sadly be missed until we once again be joined together. With sadness but deepest sympathy to Mrs Gilman, Billy, Mike, Jimmy and their families. You will remain Forever in our hearts... Trish Morgan
May 3, 2010
My condolences for the Gilman family and my prayers are with you.
John Christian Hopkins
May 3, 2010
Berta, Mike, Billy & Jimmy
Sorry to hear the loss of your loved one.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Brad&Barbara Boss
May 3, 2010
To The Entire Gilman Family
May your memories be your comfert during this difficult time
Dan and Elaine Boileau
Marie Kissick
May 3, 2010
"Bert", Mike, Billy and Jimmy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
With or deepest sympathies
Marie Kissick and family
debbie bednarczyk
May 3, 2010
to alberta and family our thoughts and prayers are you and the family if you need anything or if we can do anything please let us know
debbie,josh,becky
May 3, 2010
GILMAN FAMILY
sorry to hear about your loss, I know bill
will be missed.
jim carson
Peggy Sue Long
May 3, 2010
To the Entire Gilman Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It was always a joy to see Mr Gilman. I know there will be a huge void for all of you, but he is in a better place, in the hands of the Lord.
With Deepest Sympathy,
David, Peggy Sue and Billy
Ethel kenyon,Laplatney
May 3, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts and prayers go out to your family...
cappy kenyon
May 3, 2010
Sorry to hear of your loss,he will be sadly missed by many.
May 3, 2010
To all of the Gilman family, Bill will be missed by my husban, Sonny, myself and my children and grandchildren, Bill was a lot of fun and a wonderful person to be with, Rhode Island and Fort Myers will never be the same for us, we love you all and you are in our thoughts and heart, may you all have peace, you all were with him in the end and I know he will always be with you all.
Love Sonny and Jean
shirley,jim sarah ,jeff,jeffrey,geneva linda ,amanda mcnally -arnold
May 3, 2010
rest in peace mr gilman you will be sadly missed
Frank & Mary Bliven
May 3, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Laurie Holland Wilkinson
May 3, 2010
Bill was a wonderful man has has been a part of my family forever. He will sadly be missed.
Gail Mitchell
May 3, 2010
Sending you my deepest sympathy. May you find peace in the thoughts and memories that will be with you today and always.
Sherryl Stedman
May 3, 2010
Sorry to hear about the passing of your father. May your memories comfort your family in the future.
Bernice and Leslie Tefft
May 3, 2010
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Emmaline Wood
May 3, 2010
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Billy. He will be sadly missed. May the love of family and friends bring you comfort in the days ahead. What a wonderful person he was,and my heart goes out to each and every one of you.
May 3, 2010
Mrs. Gilman, Billy, Mike & Jimmy and the whole Gilman family - the Hutchinson family is truly sad for the loss of a wonderful man. He has always been like a father to the Morgan family and my father's best friend. Rest in Peace Mr. Gilman.
We love you,
Dave, Kathy, Ellyn and Shannon
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