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John Gillard Obituary
Irondequoit - John Loveless Gillard, 76, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2020 in Green Valley, AZ. His wife, Mary Kay was by his side. John was born in Fulton, NY and raised in Penn Yan, NY. Upon completion of high school, John joined the United States Navy and spent 21 wholesome healthy years serving his country. He retired in 1984 as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive Chief Petty Officer (Naval Aircrew). John was a Spanish and French linguist. John also attended S.E.R.E. (survival, evasion, resistance and escape) School as a Chief Petty Officer, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. John would want us all to be reminded that our country's freedom has been earned through sacrifice which we should never take for granted. Having lived all over the world while in the Navy, John spent his last 30 years living in Irondequoit, NY and the last 10 years wintering in Arizona. As a member of Ontario Country Club, John enjoyed the camaraderie of countless rounds of golf and the appropriately accompanying Guinness with many friends. John will be dearly missed by his newest companion Jake, while he is listening to his favorite Irish music and observing from above with Seamus. John was a very kind, loving genuine gentle man. He believed in God and was devoted to Him. He was grateful for his many blessings. John took an interest in every person he met, often leaving them with a cherished crystal. John was a very gregarious and generous person who enjoyed life to the fullest. John is predeceased by his parents, George Frederick, Jr. and Mary Loveless Gillard, his sister, Sarah (Sally) Mitchell, his twin brother, George Frederick, III, and his younger brother Michael. He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay; daughter, Teresa and son, Jeffrey John; sisters, Ellen, Kathleen and Mary (Mark) Nielsen, and three grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 8th, 2021 at 2:30pm at Spiritus Christi Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St, Rochester, NY 14604.
Those wishing to do so may make a memorial donation to Sunset House, 3746 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, NY 14617 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjudes.org). To share a memory or send the family a condolence, please visit
www.harrisfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gillard
Sponsored by Paul W. Harris Funeral Home Inc. - Rochester.
Marianne Richards
April 30, 2021
God blessed us with John Gillard, a gentle soul, with a huge heart.
My love to you always Mary Kay
Dickie Best (CNSG FMC7)
April 28, 2021
Fair Winds and Following Seas Shipmate. We have the watch!
Diane Eggert Hayes
April 27, 2021
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Jeff and Dianne Russotto
June 1, 2020
Mary Kay, what a beautiful write-up for a beautiful man. Dianne and I were blessed to have Johnny Boy as our friend. He will be missed but never forgotten. We have many fond memories to cherish forever.
Marni Gillard and Bill Wheeler
June 1, 2020
Thanks for this beautiful write up Mary Kay..... John meant the world to all the Gillards. I especially loved the way he could talk about spiritual matters, naming what really counts. I loved that Maria shared the obit with many of us and we'll keep it moving for those who didn't see it. Please know you can call at any time. We so appreciated your invite last summer which gave us a great time with John before you headed to AZ. Many blessings. We hold you in our hearts.
Richard O. Best
June 1, 2020
RIP Shipmate. Fair Winds and Following Seas old friend. Stand easy; we have the watch! V/R, Dickie (CNSGFMC7, Ret)
linda kramer
June 1, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ellie Parisi
June 1, 2020
Mary Kay, Im so sorry to know of Johns passing. I can actually hear him saying Earle the Pearl. Pete and I loved the times we spent with you.
Timothy Streb
May 31, 2020
Sincere condolences to the family and friends of this American Patriot. May he rest in eternal peace.
Sue Hulbert
May 31, 2020
Sorry for your loss MaryKay. John was such a great, fun guy to be with.
My love and prayers to you and family. ❤❤❤
Daniel Fodera
May 31, 2020
Fair winds and following seas. John was my Chief at my first duty station out of school. It was a pleasure to serve under him.
Roiann Bruno
May 31, 2020
Mary Kay, I am so saddened. I had know idea that John was sick. We all had so so many laughs over the years at many local saloons. John was always laughing and a gentleman. My God be with him and you Mar. May he RIP with all my love Roiann
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Paul W. Harris Funeral Home Inc. - Rochester570 Kings Hwy South, Rochester, NY 14617
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