Paul Edward Gillis

Paul Edward Gillis, 84, of Rochester, passed away at home on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2025, with family members by his side.
Born in Dover on March 21, 1941, Paul was the son of Robert N. and Ruby Gillis. He grew up in Dover and attended Dover schools, where he distinguished himself both in the classroom and on the playing field. A natural leader and gifted athlete, he was captain of the basketball team and served as class vice president. He graduated in 1959, leaving behind a legacy of sportsmanship and service.
In 1966, Paul married Walda "Wally" Hashem, beginning a partnership that would last 59 years. They had been looking forward to celebrating their 60th anniversary in 2026. Together, they built a life centered on family, and Paul took great joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He treasured the company of his friends, many of whom had been part of his life since childhood.
Paul began his career working for his father's business, Tri-City Construction, before apprenticing at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He went on to build an impressive career in welding engineering that would span more than three decades. He joined Combustion Engineering, which later became ABB (Asea Brown Boveri) and eventually Westinghouse. As a senior welding engineer, Paul became known for his technical expertise and his ability to solve problems others couldn't. He was also a graduate of the Welding Technology program at the University of New Hampshire.
His colleagues at Westinghouse recognized him not only for his engineering skills but for his character. In 2004, the company proclaimed April 30 as "Paul E. Gillis Day" in his honor, celebrating his 32 years of service. The proclamation captured what made Paul special: "Paul has always been a person to count on and one who really cares about each of us." The company noted that he had "kept our ASME auditors happy, our engineers awake, our welders humble and our staff in stitches," adding that Paul "has stood by Westinghouse Electric from wooden pencils and gas welding to computer-programmed automatic TIG, computers, and weld program automation."
Those who knew Paul will remember his remarkable ability to fix just about anything. Whether it was a piece of machinery at work or a broken item at home, he had a knack for getting things to work again or building them from scratch. That practical ingenuity, combined with his dedication and warmth, made him not only a successful engineer but a beloved colleague and friend.
Paul lived in Dover for more than six decades before moving to Tara Estates in Rochester. Throughout his life, he was remembered by many for the help he offered selflessly behind the scenes, never seeking recognition but always willing to lend a hand.
Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Walda "Wally" (Hashem) Gillis; his son Michael Gillis and his wife Heidi Hanson-Gillis of Rollinsford, and their children, Rye and Fiona; Michael's daughter Lindsay Gillis of Berwick, Maine, and her sons, Brayden and Liam; his daughter Kerry (Gillis) Hanscom of Dover and her son, Noah; and his youngest brother, William Gillis of Barrington. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert N. and Ruby Gillis; his sister, Ann Therrien; and his brother, Robert N. Gillis Jr.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Ave., Dover, NH. A brief memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. A private burial at St. Mary New Cemetery in Dover will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to The Angel Fund, c/o Tara Estates, 53 Eagle Drive, Rochester, NH 03868.