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Patrick Gilley Obituary

PATRICK T. GILLEY SR., 70 BELVIDERE - Patrick T. Gilley Sr., 70, of Belvidere passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Rockford. Born Aug. 2, 1941, in Rhinelander, Wis.; the son of Clarence and Helen (Miazga) Gilley. He graduated from Rhinelander High School and attended St. Norberts College in Platteville, Wis. Married Rosalie Windorff on April 11, 1959, in Rhinelander. Patrick resided in Belvidere since 1968. He was an electrician for Chrysler Corp., in Belvidere until retiring in 2001. Member of St. James Catholic Church, Belvidere, UAW Local 1268, Belvidere Moose Lodge, American Legion and the Illinois Packer Backers Association. Patrick was an avid diver and explorer, he travelled extensively around the world diving in exotic locations. He was a certified Divemaster with the Loves Park Scuba Dive Team and also dove with Forest City Scuba. Survivors include sons, Dennis Gilley of Belvidere, Michael (April) Gilley of Cupertino, Calif., Patrick T. Gilley Jr. of Boston; daughter, Kelly (Charles) Smick of Columbia Station, Ohio; grandchildren, Paige Gilley, Taylor Gilley, Sean Gilley, Karlie Smick; sisters, Josephine (Bill) Hannaford of San Jose, Calif., and Katherine Willer of Tucson, Ariz. Predeceased by his parents; wife, Rosalie; and daughter, Tracy. Service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, in Belvidere Funeral Home, with visitation from 11 a.m. to time of service; the Rev. Brian A. Geary, pastor St. James Catholic Church will officiate. Interment in St. James Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to REEF, Reef Environmental Education Foundation, reef.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Sep. 23 to Sep. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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shannon nicolai

October 10, 2011

Sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Our family's were very close a long time ago, until we moved back to Wisconsin. I have alot of good memories of my child hood and with the "kids". Living out in the country on Rural Route 7 Box 242. I bet none of the kids remember!the address! Mom, Dad, Pat and Rose had some crazy times. And my good friend Tracy (RIP).
Jim and Cookie's daughter, Shannon

Shannon Nicolai

October 10, 2011

Sorry to hear of Pat's passing. Our family's were very close a long time ago, until we moved back to Wisconsin. I have alot of good memories of my child hood and with the "kids". Living out in the country on Rural Route 7 Box 242. I bet none of the kids remember! Mom, Dad, Pat and Rose had some crazy times. And my good friend Tracy (RIP).
Jim and Cookie's daughter, Shannon

September 29, 2011

Worked for Pat's Dad, Clarence, for the Rhinelander TV Cable Corp in 1954. Thought of him as smart kid on the block and he never let me down. Will miss knowing him as a first cousin. Keep in touch Kelly and God Bless the entire family. Tom and Jolene Ross

September 27, 2011

Dear Gilley Family,

I knew both your Mom and Dad, and they were both full of life and fun. Your Dad in these past few years had many laughs and adventures from his travels around the world. He did not leave many stones unturned. My thoughts are with you all.

Sue Appleby

September 26, 2011

I'll miss you Cousin Pat. You were full of life and fun to be around. Mom (Aunt Laura) always remarks that you worked at the Chrysler plant whenever she comes down from Rhinelander to Michigan. I'm thankful that you are now at peace.

Cousin Pat (Miazga) Simmons
Portage, MI

Taryn Yanez

September 25, 2011

We will miss you uncle Pat.

Lisa (Greve) Stephens

September 24, 2011

Sorry to hear about the passing of your dad, Kelly. I know how painful it is. May God comfort you in your time of pain and sorrow.

Stephen Jirik

September 24, 2011

My experiences with Pat were mostly on dive adventures where we shared a room, and spent time diving, Pat was always in the middle of the action or should I say conversation, He always had your attention with a smile an interesting story or something to say that had you holding your sides in laughter...... He was a great guy someone I had hoped to enjoy more dive trips with. All who had the opportunity to know Pat will miss him. I know I will.

dr vicki harrison

September 24, 2011

dennis: i am so sorry and shocked about your dad. it's hard to believe such a cool and adventuresome person is gone so soon. he always made me laugh with all his crazy but true stories. and the tons of knowledge he had about the sea and its creatures. i will miss him and his knowledge and wit. my best to your family. it has been a terrible year and we have lost a huge # OF UNBELIEVABLE LOVED ONES.

John and Stacy Hoium

September 24, 2011

Dennis: So sorry to hear about your dad. We really enjoy spending time with you and our condolences go out to you and your family in this time of need.

John and Stacy Hoium and family

Dale Fildes

September 24, 2011

Pat was a great person with humor like no other. I enjoyed my years knowing him and will not forget our vacations in Cancun and the times watching Packer football. He will be missed.

Thomas Sergent

September 23, 2011

I met Pat whilst working for Forest City Scuba. Anytime he came in the shop or went on our dive trips he was sure to try and get a laugh out of you. Between 'Lumpy? & Have a Good one' he had some famous one liners. Pat was a genuine good man. He will be missed very much.

Emily Jo Pine

September 23, 2011

Pat was a first cousin though I did not know him very well. Enjoyed getting to know him better at the Gilley cousin reunion in Rhinelander planned by Donna Mae a few years ago - Friday fish fry, picnic, etc. REST IN PEACE

Cherie Dollinger

September 23, 2011

Pat was a great guy I will miss all of his diving stories but I will especially miss him. May god Bless.

September 23, 2011

Pat Gilley was one of the most fun loving people that we have ever known, We worked with Pat at Chrysler for many years.
love you Pat and will always never forget you.
REST IN PEACE PAT
Richard and Jeanne LaValley
West Palm Beach, Fl

September 23, 2011

Pat Gilley was one of the very best to work with (if) you could put up with all of his teasing, I worked with Pat in the Scheduling Dept. at Chrysler for many years and Pat never let it be dull. Pat I loved you then for all those silly things and will always remember you as a fun loving person.
Jeanne LaValley

Dave Englund

September 23, 2011

I used to enjoy working out with Pat at the YMCA. My condolences on your loss.

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