Joseph Anthony Gillen

Joseph Anthony Gillen, 79, of Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Wyomissing, PA, passed away April 21, 2015. He was born on Sept. 13, 1935 in Bethlehem, PA to the late Joseph A. and Mary (Schwoyer) Gillen. Joseph attended the Bethlehem High School, the Moravian Prep School, Bates College and the University of Cincinnati. He served in the US Army from 1958 to 1964 earning the US Army Commendation Medal along with numerous other medals. Joseph was employed primarily by Municipal Water Operations in Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Patricia Thompson Gillen; siblings, George P. Gillen, MD of Bethlehem, PA and Ann Gillen Fulkerson of Burke, VA; 5 nephews; 2 nieces and many cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, John Thomas Gillen.

Joseph was a member of the West Reading-Wyomissing Rotary and Rotary Council. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus of Light of Christ Council 8726 in Sinking Spring, PA and was Past Faithful Navigator of Pius IX Assembly 930 of Reading, PA. Joseph was a member of the Young Republican Club of Wyomissing, PA.

Joseph enjoyed tennis, fishing, golf and travel. After retirement he wrote critiques for numerous cruise lines and hotels. He was known for his warm outgoing personality.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 30th, at 10:30 AM at Church of the Resurrection, 8121 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers followed by interment with Military Honors at Lee Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 29th, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. www.woundedwarriorproject.org