Lionel Gillerman, 84, of Laguna Niguel, passed peacefully on April 15, 2019 surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Harriet; children: Kathy Schnee (Elliot), Karen Spiegel (Bobby), John Gillerman, daughter-in-law Rachelle Gillerman, Sheri Brown (Darren), Debbi Golden (Jeff); grandchildren: Jason (Karen), Stacie, Tanya, Rebecca, Rachel, Isaac (Katelynn), Joshua, Adam (Danielle), Austin, Justin, Jordan, Mekenzi, Riley; great-grandchildren: Anthony, Alanah, Tyler, Samuel, Maya, Richard “RJ” Joseph, Camden; and many nieces, nephews and cousins from around the globe. Lionel was preceded in death by his wife, Thadia Dythe Gillerman (1981), son Richard “Rick” Joseph Gillerman (2009), and brothers Harvey (1999) and Joseph (2012).
Lionel was born February 17, 1935 in St. Louis Missouri. He received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University and a MBA from the University of LaVerne. Lionel worked for a large aerospace company that relocated him from St. Louis to California in 1972. After retiring, he and Harriet formed Gillerman Associates to assist hospitals with accreditation. He was involved in numerous professional affiliations and community based organizations. Lionel and Harriet were honored with the Congregation Beth Shalom Legacy Award.
As a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and mentor, he touched the lives of so many people. He served as a role model for future generations. He will be remembered for his love, kindness, humor, generosity, warmth, intelligence, and the love and passion he had for his family ~ the centerpiece of his life.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at Harbor Lawn-Mt. Olive Memorial Park on Wednesday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m. (1625 Gisler Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92626). There will be a lunch gathering following.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable donations be made in Lionel’s memory to the Alzeimer’s Association, Orange County Chapter (www.alz.org/oc) or Congregation Beth Shalom of Corona (www.CBSofCorona.com or PO Box 1837, Corona, CA 92878).
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