02/19/1954-11/08/2018
A Never Ending Love Story
Billy and Linda met for the first time 50 years ago as young teens. Billy’s sweet grandmother, Louise Yost lived next door to the Melita’s and he would visit her often. Louise adored her grandson. It was love at first sight for Linda and Billy. Billy enlisted in the US Marine Corps and Linda pursued a nursing career.
When Bill returned to Long Island they met again 7 years later and have been soulmates ever since. He was a talented musician, loved playing guitar, and passed on his music legacy to his son and daughter and many others. He had many hobbies, was always hands-on with carpentry, no project was too daunting. He loved the outdoors; camping, fishing, water skiing, and get togethers with his family and friends. Always right there to help anyone who needed it.
Bill was a God loving husband and very involved dad. As his Aunt Liz said, “Anyone can be a father; it takes a very special unique man to be a dad.” He coached many of Will’s teams, was the biggest cheerleader for Sarah’s volleyball and softball games as well as Will’s football and paintball games. He cherished Linda, Will and Sarah unconditionally. He was a big brother, mentor, and friend to many.
Bill was a beautiful soul. The most hardworking, fun-loving, passionate, caring, selfless, generous, larger than life, love to no end, genuine person, with a contagious enthusiasm and beautiful heart. He was loved by everyone who met him and our hearts are heavy. There was nobody like him and there will never be anyone to replace him, but just like his attitude, the glass is always half full. We were lucky to have had him in our lives. He would want us smiling and thinking positive because he surely is smiling down on all of us right now.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Linda and their two children, Will and Sarah. He is survived by mother, Muriel Gillis, his Aunt Liz, siblings Michael, Duke, Donna, Angela, Mike, Bobby, Mario and numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be at 3:30 P.M., November 13, 2018 in the Chapel of Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations to support the Gillis family can be made to: https://www.gofundme.com/medical-and-funeral-costs-for-billy
