Died peacefully at home on March 17, 2018 in Wesley Chapel, Florida
Born in 1924 in Boston, Massachusetts to parents Stephen J. and Margaret Keenan Gillis, Jack was the youngest of their five children all of whom have predeceased him. As a child of the Depression, Jack developed a lifelong habit of hard work and diligence which carried him through life. The death of both his parents by 1940 further developed Jack’s inner strength and fortitude. He graduated from high school in 1942 and immediately entered the United States Navy serving with the Seabees in the South Pacific during World War II.
Upon begin discharged in 1946, he returned to Boston, accepted a sales position with Philip Morris, USA and married his high school sweetheart, Ruth C. Bourke. They were married for 29 years and, although it ended in divorce, their union produced five children and a large, extended family which brought Jack great joy over the course of his life.
His employment at Philip Morris, USA lasted until his retirement in 1988 and brought him tremendous personal and professional satisfaction. Above all, it was here that he met and married his beloved wife, Janet Dunne Gillis, who precedes him in death. His 42-year-career in tobacco spanned the neighborhoods of Boston, all of New England, the mid-Atlantic region and finally to the headquarters in New York City as Director of National Accounts. Jack assumed various positions and responsibilities within the company and in many trade organizations in the industry. His greatest pleasure was meeting, working and connecting with sales and industry professionals all over the country. It was also through his work arena that he developed his grand passion for golf which he played for almost 50 years.
During all his life, Jack was socially active and generously involved in his community. From Little League to hospitals to many Catholic organizations, Jack sought out ways to help. In Tampa, he served for many years on the boards of the Morning Star School Foundation and the University Hospital Foundation (now Florida Hospital) along with involvement at St. Mark the Evangelist Church. And his relationship with St. Matthew Parish in Norwalk, Connecticut was a special source of pride.
Jack is survived by his children: son Stephen J. Gillis and wife Patricia of Cohasset, MA, son Brian M. Gillis and companion Sandra Hayes of Naples, FL, son John R. Gillis and wife Amy of Fairfield, CT, daughter Theresa A. Gillis of Hingham, MA, and daughter Claire M. Gillis of Plymouth, MA. In addition, he leaves behind 7 grandchildren, 7 great-children, a niece and a nephew.
A memorial mass and reception is scheduled for 5:00PM on Thursday, March 22nd at Saddlebrook Resort, 5700 Saddlebrook Way, in Wesley Chapel, FL. Monsignor Frank Mouch will officiate and all are welcome to attend and celebrate Jack’s life.
In addition, a memorial mass will take place in Norwalk at 11:00AM on Friday, April 6th at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk, CT. Monsignor Walter Orlowski will officiate and all are welcome. A reception will follow at Shorehaven Golf Club, 14 Canfield Avenue, Norwalk, CT. The internment at St. John’s Cemetery in Norwalk will be private.
In lieu of flowers or donations, please remember Jack, a most thoughtful and generous man, in your thoughts and prayers.
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