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Donald Gillis Obituary
Mr. Gillis pioneered the position of sports anchor in Boston. He first appeared on an 11 o'clock newscast on October 1, 1962, the same night that Johnny Carson began as host of the "Tonight Show." Over the next 21 years, he would attempt to use film, video, photos, and well-chosen words to delight and entertain the legions of sports fans in his viewing audience. In the days before videotape and satellite dishes, Mr. Gillis enjoyed the challenge of providing film and up-to-date information on a nightly basis. His straightforward and respectful approach earned him numerous awards, including eight consecutive Massachusetts Sportscaster of the Year designations.
In addition, Mr. Gillis was the host of "Candlepin Bowling," a weekly competitive bowling show that was broadcast on Saturday afternoons. It was considered appointment viewing by many fans who lamented the end of the show's 39-year run.
Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Mr. Gillis moved to New Bedford as a child. A Navy veteran, Mr. Gillis served as a fire control officer aboard the battleship USS Missouri during World War II. His assignment was to aim the massive 16-inch diameter guns aboard the ship. During his 22-month tour of duty on the "Mighty Mo," he and his shipmates were involved in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, as well as the bombardment of the Japanese home islands of Honshu and Hokkaido. Mr. Gillis was present at the formal surrender of the Japanese, which took place on the deck of the Missouri on September 2, 1945. "When I watched the Marines heading to the beaches, I knew I was watching heroes in action. So often I have heard fans refer to athletes as heroes. What athletes do is remarkable and thrilling, and I have been blessed to be able to love what I did for a living, but I always tried to provide a little perspective."
He liked to joke that he held a fairly lofty job before he began his broadcasting career. After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he was a lineman-installer for New England Telephone and Telegraph. While perched atop a pole on a windy winter day in Nantucket, he recalled an admonition from one of the nuns at Holy Family High School. "She said, 'Donald Gillis, God gave you the gift of a pleasant voice. It would be a shame to waste it.' I'm not sure I liked the idea of going back to school, but I loved the idea of being inside and warm."
Mr. Gillis attended Leland Powers School of Radio, Television and Theater, and began working at WBSM Radio in New Bedford. He soon convinced station management to broadcast high school basketball and football games. After attending an open audition in 1951, Mr. Gillis joined WHDH Radio in Boston and soon became a fixture on the Red Sox post-game show. At WHDH, Mr. Gillis had the opportunity to work with and learn from sportscasting legend Curt Gowdy. The two worked together on Celtics and Red Sox broadcasts. When a back injury left Mr. Gowdy unable to perform his play-by-play duties in 1957, Mr. Gillis enjoyed a summer of major league baseball from behind the mike.
A versatile and thoughtful professional, Mr. Gillis also did play-by-play for the Bruins and several pre-season games for the Patriots as well as for Boston College, Boston University, and Harvard football. He considered the opportunity to call the 1969 Harvard/Yale 29-29 tie and Bob Cousy's 50-point performance in a quadruple overtime victory against Syracuse his biggest broadcasting thrills.
Mr. Gillis leaves his wife, Kathy McGarry-Gillis; his stepson, Bernie McGarry; daughters Donna Atwood and her husband, Phil, Peggy Guillet and her husband, Ned, and Nancy Sanderson and her husband, Derek; sons Dr. Richard Gillis and his wife, Toni, and Gary Gillis and his wife, Lisa Rowan-Gillis. Mr. Gillis leaves 12 grandchildren, Megan, Kathryn, and Maura Guillet, Michael (and his wife Sarah), Christopher, and Brendan Atwood, Richard and Nancy Gillis, Lauren and Audrey Gillis, and Michael and Ryan Sanderson. Mr. Gillis also leaves his brother, Hugh, and his wife, Esther, and many nieces and nephews. He was the son of the late A. Joseph Gillis and Catherine (Gillis) Gillis and the brother of the late Elizabeth Gardner and Teresa Bowler.
Visiting hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 28, in Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 475 Main St., Falmouth. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at St. Patrick's Church, 511 Main Street, Falmouth, followed by burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Genesis Fund, 40 Second Ave., Suite #510, Waltham, MA 02451. For online guest book and directions, please visit www.ccgfuneralhome.com.
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Phil spera
January 5, 2021
My dad lou spera worked with don on the channel 5 bowling tv show for about 10 years 1967 to 1977 as the shows lob line judge . I got to meet don in person when dad let me fill in for him as the lob line judge. I was only 20 years old in1970 and for me quite a thrill . Don was a class act. A true gentleman and a true
professional. Don made the bowling show what it was. RIP. Don.
The Callahan Family
May 11, 2008
With deepest sympathy
Nancy Aldrich Fennie
May 5, 2008
Kathy:
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. My mother mentioned that she had run into you in Falmouth, but I did not know how to get in touch with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anonomus
April 30, 2008
To the Gillis family,
With deepest sympathy. I enjoyed watching Don on WHDH.
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Steve Szluck
April 30, 2008
After watching Candlepin Bowling for 35 years, I wrote Mr. Gillis a fan letter telling him how much I had enjoyed the show and him. I received a beautiful 2 page hand written letter from him telling me that my letter was the nicest one he had ever received in his 45 years of broadcasting. I put the letter and the beautiful autographed photo he sent me up at work the other day to pay tribute to this wonderful man. He was a fixture in my home for years and his name will always bring a smile to my lips along with the tears in my eyes at his passing. He was simply the finest sportscaster I have ever seen. I met him at a taping shortly after I wrote my letter to him and he introduced to the whole staff saying this is the guy who wrote that great letter. I was 43 at the time but felt like a little kid meeting his idol. How could anyone not love Don Gillis. My sincerest condolences to the Gillis family and thank you for sharing him with us.
Eric Kallio
April 29, 2008
It is with great sorrow to learn of Don Gillis' passing. I grew up watching Don on Channel 5 during the 70's, 80's and 90' watching Candlepin Bowling. The show used to open with the disco hit, "The Hustle" and that was my cue to watch the show. I am an avid candlepin bowling fan and will think of Don during my league and tournament play and had always wished he could of had the opportunity to commentate on my bowling. May he rest in peace and can now MC the bowlers in heaven such as Tom Morgan, Stacia Czernicki and all the rest that have passed.
Arthur Shuman
April 28, 2008
Sorry to hear of Don's passing. I found out on line, since I now reside in Pa. I always enjoyed his broadcasts. He made the Red Sox losing, which they did a lot of in those days, somehow tolerable. My condolences to his family.
Bruce Loughlin
April 26, 2008
Sorry to hear of your loss
Joseph Carney
April 26, 2008
The New Bedford Carneys love you, Don. Thank You and God Bless.
Nancy DeSimone
April 26, 2008
I don't think a single Saturday went by (with the exception of a major even like a family wedding) that Candlepin Bowling wasn't on in our house, first with Jim Britt and then with Don Gillis. I watched it as a kid and when I got married and moved to my own home, it continued to be a Saturday staple. I remember the shock when it went off the air. And, as someone else mentioned, even though he, too, was shocked that the show was so abruptly canceled, he handled that last show with the same class that he always displayed. My sincere condolences to the Gillis family. May it comfort you to know that we all mourn with you the passing of this wonderful man. Rest in peace, Don Gillis.
Martin and Gretchen Toomey
April 26, 2008
Our heartfelt sympathy
Catherine Osler
April 26, 2008
My most sincere sympathy to you and your family you are all in my prayers. Dr. Gillis, you have my deepest respect.
Pam Graham Bryant
April 26, 2008
Nancy,
We go back to the early days at Roche's. Growing up in Needham, your Dad was a household name, especially to my mother - a regular with the Charles River Country Club Womens bowlers! Your dad never had a hair out of place - a real class act. He was always pleasant and said hello when stopped around town. I grew up watching hockey (and still do!) and miss seeing your husband. Hope all is well. We also lost mom after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jim Fitzpatrick
April 26, 2008
What a tough spring....first Jess Cain and now Don Gillis. I attended BC High and would often see both of them leaving the old Channel 5 next door. Both were never too busy to speak with a young man who worshipped both. Don always came to the career days at BC High and stayed until the last question was answered. I can also remember listening to him on the radio with my late Uncle Jack and Grandfather. We got a kick out of the banter between Don, Tim Horgan, Leo Egan, Bill Liston, et al. It was all about sports. A much simpler time.
May he rest in peace!
April 26, 2008
God Bless you Don Gillis......
Tim Fahey
April 26, 2008
To The Gillis Family;
I must say we were all very lucky to have listened to Don Gillis, and now God has called him home!! May he rest in peace- you will be missed , but never forgotten!!!!
Anne Gange
April 25, 2008
I grew up listening to your father on candlestick bowling. But the thing I remember most was that he was called on to do the TV coverage of a Celtics playoff game (this was in their heyday)--Johnny Most did radio--anyway, Don was like a little kid as he said they are paying me for this--I can't believe it--he was so happy. He was a part of my Boston heritage--he served us well. God Bless.
Nicholas Rongone
April 25, 2008
Growing up in Billerica during the 60's and 70's Mr. Gillis was the sportscaster of choice in our household. To me his passing represents another piece of my youth coming to a close. As I sit here in Oregon watching the Sox on the computer I remember a more innocent time with Don Gillis' familiar image on a round picture tube. God Bless the Gillis family and I hope that you find peace in the knowledge that so many loved and respected Don.
April 25, 2008
Gillis Family:
He made girls want to be in sports. Growing up in the 50's & 60's we were able to do any and all sports. All of mass. girls owe Mr Gillis a thank-you for helping us break that barrior. Thank you Sir Bob...
A grateful woman from Mass... Now in Florida
Richard Chung
April 25, 2008
Gary,
The very first time I ever met your father was at your wedding. He was the most personable and easy going person I had ever met and probably will ever meet in my lifetime.
We did not speak about any sports 'stuff' or anything like that but only of how happy his son (you) were on your wedding day. I've always thought that the one and only time I ever spoke with your dad the conversation wasn't about sports or the sports business but the conversation was about you, his son and how happy your were on your special day. I still to this day think that it was very warm and loving of him to be thinking of the happiness of his son instead of talking about anything else !
Please allow me to extend my sincere sympathies from my family to your family.
Richard Chung
Susan, Norman and Josh Posner
April 25, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dick Truslow
April 25, 2008
Listened many years...he was one of the best
Al Giglio
April 25, 2008
It's with deep regret that I learned of the death of Dag...When I was just a kid I would have lunch at my grandmothers house on Saturday and have lunch watching candlepin bowling. I never realized that I would someday work with Don on that show for over 20 years! Don was a great man and a true professional. I remember the first day I walked into WHDH-TV as a young guy of 22 and being introduce to Don before I was to work with him as a stagemanager on the 6pm news. He greeted me and immediately made me feel comfortable and an equal. He never talked down to anyone and treated everyone with respect. A true gentleman all the time and never heard a cross word while we worked together on Candlepin Bowling...and that wasn't always easy with that live audience. He knew they were his fans.
Though I haven't seen Dag for a long time I feel an immense loss and sorrow. To the Gillis Family my sincere condolences. Don, it was my privelege to know you.
George E
April 25, 2008
To anyone over the age of 30 who grew up watching and listening to Don Gillis know what a talent this guy was. As a kid in the 70's, watching him every Saturday call Bowling on Ch 5 inspired me to my love for the sport. Classy and always a professional, God has called an angel home. My sincere condolences.
Carolyn Rynne-Pages
April 25, 2008
Some of my oldest and fondest memories are of visits to the Gillis' house, in the valley and on Fox Hill, and of Mr. Gillis' big smile and twinkling eyes.
Bob & Sandie Van Sickle
April 25, 2008
Richard;
You and your whole family are in our prayers. Your father was a wonderful gentleman and will be missed by everyone who ever meet or hear his sport cast.
Harvey Sklar
April 25, 2008
Another piece of my childhood has gone. Although I never met Mr. Gillis I always felt he was a gentlemens gentleman. He always had that distinctive voice. He will be truely missed, my condolences to his family and thank you for sharing him with us.
Peter Liakos
April 25, 2008
As a Co-Op student at Northeastern in the 70's, Don would call me to get the latest information on NU sports. Even though I was only a student, he made me feel a part of the Boston sports scene. He was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed.
Mary Anne McDonald
April 25, 2008
Mr. Gillis helped shape my understanding and my love of Boston sports. Prayers for all who knew and loved this gentleman.
Herb Fahr
April 25, 2008
A final farewell to our shipmate Don, from the crew of the USS Missouri (BB-63), the "Mighty Mo."
Gary Alleyne
April 25, 2008
I would like to extend my condolences to the Gillis Family.
I literally grew up during his years on WHDH/WCVB-TV. In my opinion he was New England 's best sportscaster. I will always fondly remember him on Baseball Close-Up before the Red Sox broadcasts. His classy, articulate sportscasts descriptively brought me right into Fenway Park, Boston Garden, Foxboro, etc. night after night without equal. I never had the privilege of meeting the Senior Mr. Gillis but I have met his son Gary who is also a fine gentleman and a excellent sportscaster as well.
Long live the memory of Don Gillis, the Voice of Sports.
John Fouhy
April 25, 2008
I worked for Mr. Gillis during a BC football broadcast when I was the sports editor for the student newspaper and traveling with the team to report on the games in the 1970s. I served as his “spotter” for his play-by-play coverage, identifying players who made a tackle or threw a block by placing my index and pinkie fingers on the names of players on a laminated depth chart. The chart had the players’ names and numbers and a few vital statistics to add some depth to his commentary.
I was in awe of his professionalism and couldn’t believe that I had the opportunity to assist in even a small way to the broadcast. But what has stuck with me so much, thirty years later, is the way Mr. Gillis treated a 20 year old, wet-behind-the-ears, journalist wannabe. He welcomed me to the broadcast booth (nine stories above Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN), helped me overcome my nerves, and made me a part of his team. He joked with me during commercial breaks, even getting me to pose for a photograph, holding a mike and pretending to interview him. I still have the photo, stuffed into the inside cover of my BC yearbook.
In my too brief encounter, Don Gillis was kind and considerate, funny and friendly, a true gentleman. As big and successful as he was in his profession, he was never too high and mighty for neophytes like me. What a legacy.
Frank Federico
April 25, 2008
Don Gillis made sports what they were meant to be...pure fun & enjoyment...He did this with the utmost class & dignity
Evelyn Pizzi
April 25, 2008
As a former employee of WCVB-TV Channel 5 in the mid-1970's, I remember Don Gillis very well. He was always friendly and responsive and a true professional and gentleman to all. As a part of the Hynes and Henning, Bob Copeland and Bill O'Connell Channel 5 team, he was definitely a part of that golden era that can never be repeated. My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Gillis.
Evelyn Pizzi
Harvard University
Michael Cain
April 25, 2008
The Jess Cain Family would like to express their sorrow at the passing of a Boston legend. My father always spoke highly of Don, and reconized him as one of the classiest men in the business.
John Flynn
April 25, 2008
Don Gillis. So smooth on the air. A real gentleman and genuine human being off the air. Don't forget his groundbreaking radio sports talk show "The Voice of Sports" on WHDH radio with Joe Costanza, Tim Horgan and Bill Liston. A weekly treat. Don was the best and friendliest. He truly was exceptional. This has not been a good Spring. First we lose Jess and now Don. Sad.
Paul Carr
April 25, 2008
Don Gillis was in front of me on the tube regularly while I was growing up and into adulthood. His measured tones are among the easiest broadcast voices for me to conjure up. Without my ever noticing, it seems that he was weaved into the fabric of my youth, and this passing leaves me mourning a man I never met.
Dan Dlugosz
April 25, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to the Gillis family on the passing of a true sportscasting legend.
Don's professional sports commentary provided this native New Englander growing up in the Sixties many hours of viewing enjoyment.
R.I.P. Mr. Gillis - you'll be truly missed ...
Just another sad viewer
April 25, 2008
Although I never personally met Don, I was a faithful viewer of the 11:00 news on channel 5, he truly epitomized "A class guy"
Pax Vobiscum
Andie Sinman Kurzman
April 25, 2008
Don Gillis was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I began working at the old WHDH in the late 1950s and the sportscasters and announcers had to share space with the TV news department. Good times, good laughs, great memories.
Condolences to the entire family and to all who knew & loved this man. B'Shalom, Don.
Michael Simbolist
April 25, 2008
In a city/region that prides itself in having the good fortune of the past/present best sports announcers in the world,Don Gillis fit right in with the elite.
When Don did the sports you had the feeling that he was talking to you not at you.And,there was nobody who could make bowling so enjoyable.
Kathy,Gary and the rest of the Gillis family ,we send our deepest condolences.
Grace Sullivan-Rose
April 25, 2008
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Gillis' passing and that he was suffering from Alzheimer's in his final days. I grew up in Boston and loved to watch Candlepin Bowling and even remember the last day it air how shocked I was that with no notice the show was cancelled and he handled that with dignity and head held high as he said "Good Bye" to all of the fans. He was a great gentleman. As a former employee of Filene's he didn't mind talking to me about bowling on the few occassions I would see him in the store shopping. I will always have fond memories of him and my heartfelt sympathies to his entire family at the time of their loss. May you find comfort knowing how many people's lives Mr. Gillis touched. God Bless
(formerly Savin Hill Area, Dorchester)
Doug Prusak
April 25, 2008
Gary,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Chris, Kari & Drew Hall
April 25, 2008
What a class act. A man who will be truly missed...
Leonard Zola
April 25, 2008
Recalled with great respect. And I'll never forget the night Bobby Schmatz made his Bruins debut with the winning goal but the wires didn't provide his first name. Joe Costanza, knowing Don would want it, had the entire newsroom yell out likely names. That night he was called Jacques Schmatz! It was my pleasure also to write for Don once in a while when Joe was otherwise busy. May he rest in true peace.
James Coppersmith
April 25, 2008
He will always be remembered as The Dean of Sportscasters and the very defininition of a
"gentleman." I never heard a bad word saId against him and he never had a bad word for anyone...To have known and worked with him was and remains one of the great privileges and pleasures of my life . My heartfelt condolences to the family and all who knew and loved him....Jim Coppersmith
Marc DeLorenzo
April 25, 2008
Like many thousand others, I grew up watching Don Gillis do the Sports on Channel Five's 11 O'Clock News and Candlepin Bowling on Saturday mornings. When he retired, I missed him immediately. My condolences to the family.
Leonard Dousa
April 25, 2008
For many years I watched Don on Channel 5 either doing sports or Candlepin Bowling. So I was saddened to hear that this legend in the Boston Sports scene had crossed over. My thoughts are with your blessed family during this time of sorrow.
Cathy Ryan
April 25, 2008
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Don Gillis. He was wonderful to listen to and made me interested in sports when I was growing up in Boston. He was in my thoughts just the other day when I was bowling. I will miss him.
Sandra Durling
April 25, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I had the pleasure of working with Don at WHDH late 50's, early 60's...an exceptionally nice man.
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