Alexander Everett Gillis

SALEM – Mr. Alexander Everett Gillis, 29 of Salem passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers with his devoted family by his side.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Alex was the son of Lauren (Gillis) Ruffino and Michael Rosario and was raised by his loving father, Paul Cabral. Growing up in both Port St. Lucie, Florida and Salem, MA. Alex relocated back to Massachusetts in 2011, graduating from Salem High School in 2014. As a young boy, he enjoyed playing baseball and throughout his life remained a loyal basketball enthusiast and Celtics fan.

Following his high school graduation, Alex enlisted into the United States Army and served his country from 2015 until 2018 upon his honorable discharge from the military.

Returning home, Alex continued his education at North Shore Community College and loved working alongside his father working for UPS as seasonal delivery helper.

Alex was deeply devoted to his family, he was incredibly caring, thoughtful, generous and always making sure others were taken care of. He enjoyed watching movies, excelling in all video games and all things Asian from sushi to Chinese food, and lots of anime. As he battled his cancer for nearly 5 years, he never once waivered in his character and strength. His resilience and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his mother, Lauren Ruffino of Port St. Lucie, FL; father, Michael Rosario of East Berlin, CT; father, Paul Cabral of Salem, MA; his sisters, Ashley Gillis-Cabral of Salem, MA, Alyssa Cabral of Salem, MA, Samantha Rodriguez-Cabral of Waltham, MA, Aaliyah Rosario of Hendersonville, TN and Mikayla Rosario of East Berlin, CT; his brothers, Alden Cabral of Salem, MA and Austin Rosario of East Berlin, CT and Jayce Rosario of East Berlin, CT; his beloved nephews, Davien Abreu of Salem, MA and Brayden Abreu of Salem, MA and his grandmother's, Nancy Hubbard of Brighton, MA and Elena Rosario of Hartford, CT. Alex's Grandfather Felix Rosario of Hartford, CT. Alex was predeceased by his grandfather, Donald E. Gillis of Apopka, FL, as well as his grandmother, Sylvia McGillicuddy of Peabody, MA.

In addition Alex had many more loving family members. Alex is survived by his aunts, Sylvia Cabral, Patricia Cabral and Tina Thurlow. His uncles, Dwayne Hill, Derek Hill and Angel Rosario. His loving cousins, Moise Calixte, Andre Calixte, Calvin Hill, Dylan Hill, Graham Hill, Jasmine Hill, Jade Hill, Amanda Hill, Nicholas Hill, Denicio Hill, Jackson Gervacio, Celina Gervacio, Antonio Gervacio, Gregory Gervacio, Jovani Gervacio. Amongst the family, Alex was also survived by many loving spouses, Khya Cabral of Alyssa Cabral, Dionil Abreu of Ashley Gillis-Cabral, Megan Sylvester of Samantha Rodriguez-Cabral, Mike Oganov of Aaliyah Rosario, Marc Ruffino of Lauren (Gillis) Ruffino as well as Marc's kids, Steven, Chris and Matt; Stephanie Cabral of Paul Cabral as well as Stephanie's kids, Kayla, Natalia, and Cameron; Jamie Rosario of Michael Rosario.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Alex's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebration, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Thursday, September 11th at 11 A.M. His burial to follow in Harmony Grove Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 10th from 5 to 8 P.M. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.