Gerald N. Gillis Jr.

Gillis, Gerald N. Jr. BRUNSWICK Gerald N. Gillis Jr., 57, of McChesney Avenue, died peacefully Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness. Born September 28, 1951 in Glens Falls, he was the son of the late Gerald N. Gillis Sr. and Kathleen (Weeden) Hartnagle of North Adams, Mass., who survives. Mr. Gillis attended Lansingburgh High School. For many years, he was employed as a truck driver at several area businesses and in Nev. where he lived for a short time. Most recently, he was a driver for the R.J. Valente Gravel Co. Inc. in Rensselaer and retired in 2004. Gerry loved fast, new cars and trucks, listening to the Beatles, "the best music group ever," watching Miami Dolphins football, anything to do with wolves and his two canine pals, Urk and Nakita. In addition to his mother, he is survived by five children, Christa J. ("Sako") Shiklanian of Las Vegas, Nev., Carrie (Kevin) O'Connell of Hoosick Falls, Denielle (Dave) Hunter of Fultonville, Gerald N. (Nicole) Gillis III of Hoosick Falls and Jolene (Brock) Gillis of Troy; two brothers, Thomas Gillis of Clifton Park, Colin Gillis of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; a sister, Liza Daniels of Fla.; 16 grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home Inc., 2237 NY Route 7, located in Raymertown with Rev. Gaylord Campbell officiating. Burial in Elmwood Hill Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. At the family's request, memorial contributions if desired may be made to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society, Oakwood Avenue, Menands, NY 12204 in memory of Gerald N. Gillis Jr.