Robert L. Gilliat

1931 - 2022

Gilliat

Robert L. Gilliat

11/16/1931 - 11/1/2022

Robert L. Gilliat passed away peacefully at his home on November 1, 2022. Robert was born on November 16, 1931. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan where he was raised by his grandmother for much of his life. He lived with his cousins who were more like brothers and sisters to him and an aunt and uncle who gave him the security of a loving home. He got to see his mother on weekends.

Robert graduated from Western High School in 1949 and enrolled at Wayne State University where he earned a Bachelor or Arts in 1953 and a Juris Doctorate in 1955. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army in the Seventh U.S. Army headquarters, Office of the Judge Advocate General Legal Assistance and Claims Division from 1955-1957. He was stationed in Germany. Robert came back to the United States and attended the University of Michigan in 1960 where he received his Masters of Public Administration.

Robert came to the Washington, DC area and began working as the Assistant General Counsel for Manpower, Health, and Public Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense. He continued his work at the DOD for 38 years where he earned many medals based on his public service. Some of these awards included earning the Presidential Rank Award and being an Esquire in the United States Supreme Court where he testified before the Supreme Court on more than one occasion. In 1992, he was appointed as the Deputy General Counsel of Personnel and Health Policy of the Department of Defense. In 1994, Robert retired from the government and started volunteering for the State Health Insurance Program for the Maryland Department of Aging.

Volunteer work was a big part of Robert's life. He volunteered in his community, serving as President of the HOA board in his neighborhood, making sandwiches weekly for the homeless, and giving historic tours of Foundry United Methodist Church. He volunteered at Foundry as the head usher and chaired many committees. He also attended many bible studies, always trying to further his education about God and leading a life of purpose. Robert helped educate people on Medicare and Medicaid through MD's State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Robert was a generous person who believed in helping others and not indulging in the finer things in life.

Robert and his beloved wife, Mary Jane Gilliat were married in 1967 and resided in Kensington, MD for over 35 years. They enjoyed raising their two children and developing family traditions. In 2007, Robert and his wife moved to Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, MD. They resided there for 14 years and loved attending the many events, seminars, and activities Asbury had to offer.

The greatest joy in the latter part of Robert's life was spending time with his two grand-daughters, Hailey and Brooke Baker. Robert spent many hours with his granddaughters singing, playing games, and offering words of wisdom.

Robert will be greatly missed by all that knew him. He is survived by his son, Mark Webster Gilliat of Falls Church, VA and Carrie Lynn Baker of Gaithersburg, MD and a son-in-law, James Michael Baker. He has two grandchildren, Hailey Isabel Baker and Brooke Macie Baker. Mr. Gilliat is also survived by a sister-in-law and a number of cousins including Nancy and Bill Roberts.

Service will be held on June 25 at 1:30 p.m for Robert and Mary Jane Gilliat at Foundry United Methodist Church. All are welcome.