Richard Gill

God finally opened the door when dad knocked early in the morning, March 14th. Richard Patrick Gill was greeted in heaven by his loving wife Joan (2017), his cherished mother Josephine (1940), his beloved Auntie Ann (1990), his mother-in-law Anne Lynch (1988), his father Thomas Gill (1973), and his brother Thomas Gill (2013).

Born in Queens NY on April 28th, 1934, he was a proud New Yorker, a diehard Brooklyn Dodgers and Giants fan and a Veteran of the Korean War. He spent his 20's chasing the love of his life, Joan Lynch, marrying her in 1964. He was the proud father of four children, Ann, Kate (Jim Lodewick), Richard (Song Im Shin), and Joe (Vicky Simpson), and an even prouder grandfather of Victoria, Juliet, Briana, Shea, Aidan, Liam and Kieran. He lived by the motto "faith and family" which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. After working as a funeral director for many years, he opened a taxi business and held several positions diligently providing for his family. He was a proud Roman Catholic who had a passion for protecting the unborn and lived his faith through his actions. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and was involved in all of his parish's activities as well as Meals on Wheels and Right to Life.

He moved his family to Mahwah, NJ in the early 1970s to give them a different perspective than urban life. Richard provided his family with many great memories: of road trips to Long Island, Christmas mornings, Sunday mornings and delivery of The Bergen Record, walks to chat and catch up with friends, car rides to the airports and New York city, career and college guidance, new recipes, baking Christmas cookies, and offering loving support through wisdom learned from life. He never demanded perfection from his children, just that you "worked hard and worked to your potential." (And he reminded the boys often about his size 10.5 D shoe when they were unmotivated or too rambunctious)

He was the greatest grandfather and spoke proudly of his grandchildren to anyone who would listen. He never missed one of Victoria's volleyball games and was a frequent spectator at soccer, swimming, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, football, and any other activity his grandkids participated in. His grandkids will tell you that he made the BEST pancakes, oatmeal and hard boiled eggs and was always there to give a hug or lend an ear. Later, when he couldn't get around, he looked forward to their visits and phone calls, asking about how school and things were going, pretending to not know who was calling him, and especially asking the boys "what about the girls?"

In his later years he resided in Glenside PA building friendships and memories with great neighbors on Cliveden Ave. His Saint Patrick's Day parties were legendary, and he loved his time there. His last years were spent at The Philadelphia Protestant Home where he stubbornly remained in independent living, which was his last wish.

Thank you to Holy Redeemer Hospital, Hospice, and the nurses in PPH Pathways for making his last days filled with comfort and dignity.

A wake will be held Thursday March 20, from 6-8 PM at William May Funeral Home in Glenside PA and a mass of Catholic Burial will be held on Friday, March 21st at 11:00 AM at Queen of Peace Church in Ardsley, PA with visitation at Church prior to the funeral. A true Irish Celebration complete with toasts and shared memories will be held at Halligan's Pub in Flourtown immediately following the funeral!!

In lieu of flowers he would love donations to be made in his name to the National Right to Life Organization or to PPH Development@PPHFamily.org and for you to pray the Rosary.