Ernest Gilman Jr.

Ernest Gilman Obituary

Uncasville - Ernest W. "Kiwa" Gilman Jr., 72, husband of Marie (Giorgio) Gilman of 100 Fort Hill Road, Uncasville, died Monday morning at Haven Health Care of Norwich.

Born in New London on May 3, 1934, he was the son of the late Ernest W. and Thelma (Strickland) Gilman Sr.

Known as "Kiwa" in the Mohegan Tribe, he was instrumental in their federal recognition, and also sat on the Council of Elders for several years. He was appointed as pipe carrier by Medicine Women Gladys Tantaquidgeon, a position he held for many years until his recent illness. An avid hunter and fisherman, he enjoyed nature and engaging in his Native-American culture and making medicine bags and walking sticks for anyone.

Honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy, he served 20 years during the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.

Prior to retirement, he was employed as a electrician at Electric Boat in Groton.

On March 7, 1959 in Naples, Italy, he was united in marriage to Marie (Giorgio) Gilman who survives along with three daughters, Maria Flanders, of Newport, R.I., Thelma Gilman, of Ashburn, Va., and Rita Gilman, of Boston, Mass.; two grandchildren, Lauren and Mason Ibbotson; one brother, Ronald Gilman; four sisters, Eleanor Rowley, Gail Boutin, Thelma Lowrey and Harriet Jones; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Earl and James Gilman, and three sisters, Marie Taylor, Carolyn Gilbert and Christine Piscatelli.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich. The Funeral Service will take place on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Mohegan Congregational Church, Church Lane, Uncasville, meeting directly at the church, with interment to follow in Fort Shantock Cemetery with military and tribal honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Assoc., 306 Industrial Drive, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457.

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

Published by The Day on Oct. 10, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Gilman

11 Entries

Janis Poole

October 23, 2006

I knew Mr. Ernest Gilman since I was a little girl. I went to school with his daughter Maria and we were neighbors. I remembered hearing him from our yard. He was such a wonderful man. I remember when he took all us girls fishing. The most precious gift that was given to me by the Gilmans was the wedding gift of video taping my wedding. Even thought I grew up and moved away and had a family I always remember Ernest and Maria Gilman, he will always be in my memories and prayers. Love Janis (Moquin) Poole

Deb Quidgeon Jones

October 13, 2006

Growing up the oldest and only daughter of Don Quidgeon Sr. aka Tantaquidgeon, my Mom would always say, "Your Dad's crazy cousin Ernie is coming for a visit!". He was always loved and known for his sense of humour and practical jokes! My father was also in the US Navy and I was raised in Portsmouth, Virginia. Later, when Ernie married and he and Maria were stationed at Little Creek Amphibious Base with their young daughters we got to see and visit with the entire family. I loved watching Maria make her own pasta from scratch. "Crazy" cousin Ernie always shared his science books with us and his love of our family tribal history. He was the major link that kept us in touch with tribal current events and news. His home was always open to out of state family members during annual homecoming events. I am forever thankful for him in our lives. Debi Quidgeon Jones

Susan Meehan

October 11, 2006

We are very sorry for your loss. Gilly was a dedicated Tribal elder, and his contributions to Mohegan will never be forgotten. I am happy he could live his final years back on Mohegan reservation at Fort Hill.
Susan GoldenWolf Meehan and Family

Ann Ashe

October 11, 2006

I worked with Ernie at EB for several years. He was very helpful to me as a learner and one of the few female electricians.
My condolences to all of his family.

Charmel Rekow

October 11, 2006

I did not have a chance to meet Uncle Gilly, but thru his nephew Ernie I heard about what a great man he was and always will be. The whole family is in my thoughts. God Bless.

Lisa & Pete Bernier

October 10, 2006

My family members are very saddened for your loss. Gilly will be missed dearly.He has such a long legacy with this Tribe.I also remember the chowder and the cutting of many potatoes, thanks Faith for that memory.I pray for all the Gilman family and that they can hold these happy memories deep in their hearts.
Kindest Regards from us all.

Barbara (Wisniewski) Schuler

October 10, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ed Davison

October 10, 2006

I want to extend my deepest condolences to you all in your time of sorrow. He was a man who truly was interested in preserving the Mohegan culture.

Jack & Sandra Chapman

October 10, 2006

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Faith Damon Davison

October 10, 2006

I remember Gilly from years back. He was always generous, sharing out the bounty of his garden to everyone. We all will remember his clam chowder at our homecomings in the 1970s and ‘80s. He had a good heart.

Trudy Quidgeon/Furman

October 10, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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