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BORN
1943
DIED
2019
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David Lillis Obituary
August 29, 1943 - August 8, 2019
Resident of San Ramon
Dave Lillis passed away after a courageous battle with a long illness on August 8, 2019. Beloved husband of Ellen Malloy Lillis, loving father to Erin (Ian) Scharg and Kevin Lillis, cherished grandfather to Ella and Finley Scharg, devoted brother to Thomas F. (Georgianna) Lillis III, Mary Ellen (Richard) Koalchic, Brian (Judy) Lillis, and Margaret Sugar. He is also survived by many loved nieces and nephews. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on August 29, 1943 to the late Thomas F. Lillis II and Mary "Florence" Looney Lillis. He was a graduate of Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT and Providence College where he earned a degree in economics. He spent much of the first half of his life in New Haven, Connecticut where he started his career in the insurance industry and developed many lifelong friendships. His career took him to Illinois, Minnesota and finally to San Ramon, California where he resided for 32 years and touched the lives of many with his kindness, generosity, and friendship.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Graham-Hitch Mortuary, 4167 First Street, Pleasanton, CA 94566. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Monsignor Schmitz on August 31, 2019 at St. Francis Church, 397 Ferry St., New Haven, CT 06513.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Lillis
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Harry cotter
August 8, 2024
I am proud to be a friend of Dave as he was sincere and very kind ! A great person to work with and a true friend .
Chris Poulos
August 8, 2021
An accurate testimony to how Dave touched the lives of many of us, is reflected in how frequently his name (and "antics") come up when those of us who knew him get together. Unforgettable.
TERRY MCDERMOTT
August 22, 2019
So sorry to hear my childhood friend from Saint Lawrence grade school and Notre Dame High has passed. He was a terrific friend and I have many vivid memories of him and his whole family, Mom and Dad and brothers and sisters. We enjoyed playing basketball together almost daily as kids and the jury is still out on whether he was a better student or basketball player. He was great at both! We once spent a summertime week together when his house burned down in West Haven. No one was hurt, thank God, and we had a really fun week together! I remember "Davy" as a funny, sincere, very likable and loyal friend. My best to his family, from the McDermott family.
Terry McDermott St. Lawrence '57 Notre Dame '61.
Melinda Capone
August 18, 2019
Ellen and family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dave was a very special man and we remember his loving and positive attitude. May you all find Peace.
Melinda and Chris Capone
Howard & Dorace Bethke
August 17, 2019
Dear Ellen: Your husband was such a wonderful man and we enjoyed knowing him very much. Sincere wishes for you and your family.
Jenniffer Haney
August 17, 2019
Ellen, Kevin and Erin,
I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. When he was here with us in Folsom, he made such an impact in our lives. He was always upbeat and ready for another day. We lived to hear his stories and visit with all of you. You are such a beautiful family, sharing with me in your times of hardship. We enjoyed you all so much. You all are in my thoughts forever. God bless you.
August 15, 2019
Dave was a good friend and always upbeat . He was fun to be with and I chose to remember him as a very great person and super dad n and husband . . Harry and barbara cotter .
Kenneth Mathews
August 15, 2019
Dear Ellen and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He is now free of illness. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Ellen, I can't help but think of all the wonderful childhood memories I have of you babysitting us.
God bless you all.
Love,
Ken and Kathy Mathews
Sonia Shah
August 14, 2019
I'm deeply saddened by the news. Dave was such a wonderful person to work with. He was always kind to me. He will be badly missed. My prayers & thoughts go out to the family. May he Rest In Peace.
August 14, 2019
To The Lillis Family
My sincerest condolences. Dave was a very special friend and business associate. We had a special relationship bonded by our backgrounds growing up on the east coast. He Conn. and I from N.Y.C. We stayed in touch via e-mail sharing stories and experiences that we shared. The world is a better place because of Dave and he will be truly missed. He always gave it his all.
Dave arp
Chris Poulos
August 14, 2019
Dear Ellen, Kevin and Erin,
I was saddened by the news of Dave's passing. Please accept my most sincere sympathy for "our" loss.
Dave was an influence in my early insurance career and became my mentor as we got to know each other better. But aside from our business connection, I enjoyed his infectious and witty personality. A true Irishman, he often made reference to our ethnic roots (I'm Greek) remarking that we both shared a heritage as intellectual conversationalists and were I to reach my full potential, should develop a taste and capacity to consume generous quantities of Guinness or, if available... 'Gannsett.
While separated by a continent, we enjoyed a frequent email relationship with occasional long-distant phone calls when the subject warranted it.
I witnessed his fight and recovery with cancer. I shared his joy of becoming a father-in-law and grandfather.
I truly valued his friendship and will miss him.
May his soul rest in perpetual peace.
Thomas Gallagher
August 14, 2019
Dave was one of those unique people who brought happiness into so many lives. I go back to 1950 when I met Dave as students at St. Lawrence Grammer School. So long ago. Later in life we reconnected at Traveler's Insurance in the late '60's. My heart is heavy today. RIP my friend.
Christy Blackmore
August 14, 2019
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Dave was a very kind, sweet, and caring man and always a joy to be around.
Tamny Barich
August 13, 2019
So sorry for your family's loss. Dave was a great guy and very caring. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God grant you peace.
The Staff of Graham-Hitch Mortuary
August 13, 2019
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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