Joseph E. Gillis

1929 - 2026

Joseph E. Gillis

February 16, 1929 - January 9, 2026

Joseph E. Gillis, aged 96, a lifelong resident of Easton, New York, left this world on January 9, 2026, at his home. He was born in Easton, on February 16, 1929, to the late Joseph A. Gillis and Alice (Mosher) Gillis. Joseph spent his years cherishing the simple pleasures of life. His love for animals, country music, and a good episode of Chicago Fire brought him immense joy, often sparking conversations about how he would have done things differently.

As a proud lifetime member of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, he made a significant impact on his community, serving as treasurer for many years and leading numerous successful fundraiser drives. Joseph's strong work ethic was evident in his tenure as a control operator at General Electric Silicone in Waterford and his time on the Gillis Family Farm in Cambridge. His diligence was always fueled by his commitment to providing for his family. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Mary Alice (Lundberg) Gillis, whom he met at a dance in Burton Hall in Easton.

Joseph often fondly reminisced about the good old days when life was simpler, when farmers would converse with each other, and the daily news and weather report were the highlights of the day.

A nightly bowl of butter pecan ice cream, a home cooked meat and potatoes dinner, the view of sunsets from his porch, a NY Yankees baseball game, maintaining his land with hard work and faith, was Joseph's secret to live a long life.

Joseph is survived by his son, Joseph Gillis and his girlfriend Laura Larossa; daughter, Cathleen Kessler, and her husband, Donald; and his beloved grandchildren, Travis, Nicole, Elena, and Alesia; brothers, John Gillis and Ralph Gillis; many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice (Lundberg) Gillis; his brothers, Burton and Ray Gillis and his sister, Helen Jepson; Joseph leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, 11804 NY-40, Schaghticoke, NY, 12154.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 6 pm on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Flynn Bros, Inc. Funeral Home, 80 Main St, Greenwich, NY, 12834. His funeral service will be held the following morning, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.

He will be laid to rest alongside his wife, privately at the convenience of his family.

We invite you to share your memories and photos of Joseph on his memorial page at www.flynnbrosinc.com.