Franklin Joseph Gilland

March 25, 1932 - June 5, 2017
Franklin Joseph Gilland passed peacefully in his home on Monday, June 5, 2017, in San Antonio, Texas.

Frank was a "Renaissance Man", a world traveler who lived in over 12 countries (France, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Greece, Jamaica, Portugal, England and the USA). Frank was deeply committed to his Catholic faith and his family.

Frank was happily married for 52 years to the love of his life, his wife Francesca (Paquita) Gilland. Frank was born in Mexico City, on March 25, 1932 to Franklin Worth Gilland (a WWI veteran & 1st Lieutenant Squad Commander of the US Army Signal Corps, from San Antonio) and Elena Chellet Gilland (of Leon, Guanajuato).

Franklin was raised in Mexico City and in Texas, finishing high school in Mexico City and completing his university education in Iowa, before, serving in the US Army during the Korean War. Frank went on to continue to serve his country as a Foreign Service Officer with the US State Department with over 25 years. Franklin also spent 20 years in the private sector as an executive with an American pharmaceutical company, Sterling Drug International, throughout the world until his retirement in 1991, when he returned to San Antonio. Frank had many hobbies and was passionate about traveling, the Boy Scouts, theater, music, tennis and the arts.

Frank deeply loved his family: He is preceded in death by his parents, Franklin Worth Gilland, Elena Chellet Gilland: His siblings Teresita Gilland, Helen Gilland Savage, his brother in Law, Frank Savage & Sister Mary Benet Gilland.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Francesca Gilland. His children: Daughter: Samantha Gilland Omlie and son in law, Colonel Austin R. Omlie U.S. Army (Retired) of Huntsville, Alabama; Son: Gregory Worth Gilland and his fiancé, Katie Hayes Mimari of San Antonio, Texas; and Daughter: Kathleen Gilland Mayes, and son in law, Matthew Mayes also of San Antonio, Texas. His Grandchildren: Nicole T. Gilland, Ian R. Gilland, Madeline R. Gilland, Olivia M. Gilland, Jamie B. Mayes, Abbey S. Mayes and those of his extended family Aurora R. Omlie, Alyssa R. Omlie and great granddaughter Riley S. Baile. Frank is also survived by his sister Magdalena Chellet and brother David Duard Gilland, multiple nieces, and nephews in Texas, California, Florida, Mexico, and Peru. His family is thankful for the loving care provided by Avionn Care (Veronica Carmona), Altus Hospice and Elsa Ruiz Cordoba during his last days.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: The Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; The Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarrior
project.org/donate

A Rosary and viewing is scheduled for Thursday, June 15th at 6:30 Porter Loring Mortuary. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for Friday, June 16th, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church at 10:00 am followed by his interment at Mission Burial Park.

You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com Arrangements with