Donald Anthony Gilliland

Donald "Don" Anthony Gilliland, 68, passed away peacefully on Thursday April 10, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Trenton, NJ on June 29, 1956, Don was a lifelong resident of Ewing, graduating from Ewing High School, Class of 1974. Don was a journeyman with the Local 9 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, where he spent his career until his retirement.
Don was a man of many talents including expert storyteller, skilled joke teller, master gardener and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His selflessness knew no boundaries. He spent his happiest days in the woods or on the water, hunting, fishing, gardening and teaching anyone who would listen the art of baiting a hook or tracking a deer. Nature was his playground, but his family was his heart. He showed up for every game, concert, birthday and monumental event beaming with pride. Don held many titles during his time here, but his favorite title was Pop-Pop. He was a true believer, who never gave up on the mystery of Bigfoot and family vacations to the Poconos were often spent keeping an eye out for him lurking in the woods.
Don is predeceased by his father, Floyd Gilliland; mother, Lorraine Gilliland; and brother, Daniel Gilliland.
Don leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 48 years, Cheryl Cappelli Gilliland, his son Robert Gilliland and wife Kelly; daughters Michelle Gilliland and Nicole Gilliland; sister Debora Gilliland; brother David Gilliland; his beloved grandchildren Natalie Kasprzyk and Easton Poli; several nieces and nephews; and a large circle of lifelong friends who were lucky enough to know him.
His family wishes to send a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Capital Health Regional Medical Center for their unrelenting care and compassion.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 10:00am-1:00pm at the Princeton Community Church, 2300 Pennington Road, Pennington, NJ 08534.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Don's name to THE FXTAS Research Fund by visiting give.ucdavis.edu/MIND/FXTASRF To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald, please visit our Tree Store.