Michael D. Jillson

Michael D. Jillson, son of Harold and Joan (Heino) Jillson passed away May 11, 2015 among family members in Pt. Charlotte, Fl. Mike was a son, a brother, a nephew, an uncle and a true friend. Mike was born in Gardner, MA on December 27, 1953 and moved to Gloucester, MA at age 10. He graduated from Gloucester High School in 1972 where he played hockey and soccer. A five year Navy veteran 1st Class Petty Officer, he served on board the USS Piedmont. He had a life time love affair with fishing and an extraordinary connection to the sea. He spent much of his time offshore in search of ground fish or tuna and was a true striped bass champion. Mike enjoyed riding his motorcycle up and down the East Coast with friends and was part of multiple events raising funds for many causes. A more giving person could not be found as Mike reached out to so many with his generosity and time. Mike excelled at friendships and helping others no matter what personal priority he had, he was always there. If the measure of a man is how many friends he has then Mike was a true giant. Our Family wants him remembered as a devoted friend and true Gloucester fisherman. He is survived by parents Harold (Hal) and Joan Jillson of Englewood, FL; sister Nance (Jillson) Harding and her husband Dan Harding of Benton, ME; brothers Jim and his wife Julie Jillson of Ipswich, MA and Scott and his wife Kirsten Jillson of Newton, NH; and many loving nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation www.npcf.us.