Michael Gill

Dear friends and family of Michael Gill,
We regret to inform you that Michael has passed on and is now attending the grand music festival in the sky.
Michael was born on August 21, 1955 to Raymond and Gertrude Gill in Bayonne, New Jersey. Michael spent most of his childhood in Corning, New York, where he had many fond memories of attending school and causing trouble for the nuns and his mother who worked in the office.
Michael is preceded in death by his mother, father, son, Seamus Dean, and many other beloved family and friends. Michael is succeeded by his three daughters: Cassandra (Jason) Barend, Chevonne (Aaron) Ritter, and Chauna Gill, as well as his seven grandchildren: Tyler Gill, Makaya, Rylee and Aiden Barend, Grace Yager, and James and Mya Ritter.
Michael found his calling as a security guard, settling in at School of the Arts in Rochester, NY, where he worked tenaciously at inspiring kids to follow their dreams and be their all. Many to this day remember him fondly as Mr. Gill in the Box Office. He became a father figure to so many, treating each kid as his own, teaching them his ways of love and kindness.
After retirement, Michael was an enormous advocate for the unhoused inhabitants of Rochester, NY. He devoted the last years of his life helping give a voice to those who are usually ignored.
He was a man of many, many stories, ready to share them with anyone that would listen. He was Irish through and through. He was quick with a punch line and even quicker with a beer. Michael loved music and attended as many festivals as he could, gaining the beloved title, "Grateful Dad."
One thing Michael will always be remembered for was his heart. He loved everyone. He never met a stranger, you were a friend before he even met you. He loved you before you could ever tell him your name.
He never had much, but would give you everything he had. He is the epitome of the woman who gave two shillings and was praised because it was all she had and she gave it gladly. This is his legacy that we hope everyone will carry on.
Michael will be celebrated with a "Grateful Dad Party" on June 16th at a park in Rochester, NY. Location and times TBD.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the many organizations Michael supported. Just to name a few: https://reachadvocacy.org https://pcho.org https://houseofmercyrochester.