Cillis, Joseph "Joe" VOORHEESVILLE Joseph "Joe" Cillis, 85 years old, passed away on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born in Albany to the late Theodore and Julia Cillis on December 24, 1935. Joe graduated from the former Cathedral Academy in Albany and SUNY Cortland, where he earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in education. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Janice "Jenny" O'Connor. Joe taught physical education at Shaker Road Elementary School for nine years. He left teaching to pursue another passion - home building. He established JJ Cillis Builders, a family business, building custom homes for over 50 years in the greater Albany area. A lover of people, Joe enjoyed talking and laughing with anyone he encountered in his daily life. He was a consummate educator and was generous with his life lessons and advice. He enjoyed seeing families make homes from the houses that he built. He loved what he did and could be found on the job site into his eighties. When asked when he would retire, his classic response was, "I would have to find a job first." He built his family home in Voorheesville, where he and Jenny raised their five children. Joe enjoyed spending Sundays "on the farm," usually on his tractor cutting brush. He thrived on making people feel welcome in his home and part of the family. There was always room for one more seat at the table or one more dog in the yard. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Jenny, and their son, Joseph. He is survived by his brother, Theodore Cillis; his children, James (Carol), Suzanne Keenan (John), Christine Dearth (Samuel), and Matthew (Elizabeth); and his daughter-in-law, Sharon Cillis. He was the devoted grandfather of Michelle Budge, Joseph Cillis, James Cillis, Jennifer Cillis, Joseph Keenan, Christian Keenan, Stephany Keenan, Andrew Cillis, Caroline Cillis, and Violet Cillis, as well as his great-grandson, Jude Budge. The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the caregivers at the Atria assisted living facility in Delmar, Daughters of Sarah Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and the Teresian House Center for the wonderful care they provided. There will be a private funeral service for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405, Albany, NY, 12205 or at act.alz.org, or the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12206. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.LGFuneralHome.com

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Published by Albany Times Union from Mar. 27 to Mar. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Cillis

7 Entries

Mary Nagle

March 31, 2021

To Joe´s children and brother, Ted, my heartfelt sympathies. My late husband, Mike, went to high school and college with Joe and our families go way back. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Joe Tierney

March 31, 2021

While I was a Cathedral Academy HS senior, Joe returned to his alma mater as a volunteer assistant baseball coach. His schedule limited the visit to 3 days.
During the brief tenure, he shadowed each position, gave a tutorial and explained the value and responsibilities of each played. He demonstrated batting techniques and structured a simulated game to help us understand what and when to execute. I was thoroughly astounded by his knowledge and the way in which he delivered the messages, not to mention the great sense of humor. I learned more about baseball in those 3 days than in the prior 3 years.
Joe was already one of our heroes, evidence his own skill and success in the classroom and on the playing fields. Additionally, he had captured the heart of Jenny O´Connor, another CA graduate and one of our most revered women. They were a truly royal team.
Thank you, Joe for the great memories and the unforgettable lessons. RIP

Michael Morin

March 30, 2021

"Hereoes get remembered legends never die". Countless laughs fill my memory of Joe and his big heart and generosity is continued throughout his family. My heart goes out to all the Cillis family. Rest in peace big guy.

Frederick Drischler

March 29, 2021

Jimmy and family. Our deepest condolences. Some of the greatest days of my life were growing up on JJ's job sites. He was a mentor, a friend and part of our family. I am smiling as I type recalling the times we had. God bless you all.
Fred, Kim & Ruth Drischler

Kiki Volkwein

March 28, 2021

Dear Chris,
Our family remembers our years in Voorheesville and the Cillis family with fondness. I know you will have precious memories of your father. Best wishes from Kiki, Fred, Ed and Jim Volkwein Stamford, CT

Donna Gallagher-Parisi

March 27, 2021

Dear Jim and Cillis family; My sincere condolences on the recent passing of your dad as well as your mom and brother Joe. I will always remember your lovely family and the fun we had as kids with each of our siblings, especially Joe, playing around Pettibone Dr. I am sad to learn of his passing.
Your dad's skill as a builder is as legendary as his kindness. Your mom gave me my first babysitting job! Bless all of you at this time of loss.

Bill and Joyce Miller

March 27, 2021

We lived in a beautiful JJ Cillis home on Princess Lane , Loudonville, for years.
Mr. Cillis built a home of above average construction and his attention to detail was meticulous. May he rest in peace knowing he did his best.

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