Joel Gillingham

Joel was an only child born to the late Frank and Ruth (Ewing) Gillingham. The happiest of his childhood were spent with the late John and Emma (DeVerter), his paternal grandparents.

He attended schools in the New Jersey school system.

He enlisted in the USMC in 1952 and served as a Korean War Veteran. Following his discharge from the USMC he served with the US Army National Guard in New Jersey- Department of Defense for over 25 years as a heavy equipment technician.

A move to Connecticut "brought him to the love of his life" he said many times. He married Barbara (Phillips) Gillingham on February 22, 1991 in Niantic and enjoyed 32 years of marriage.

Joel enjoyed the simple life, the woods of New England, a campfire, animals of any type, and of course a good cowboy movie. He was a quiet man with woodworking and carving as hobbies. Joel was more comfortable in his saw dust filled workshop than he was at most social functions. A man of few words but when he spoke you listened because the words mattered. Good values and his faith were the strongholds of his life.

He is survived by his loving wife Barbara (Phillips) Gillingham, brother and sister-in-law Dwight and Katherine Phillips, Jr., of Pennsylvania, sister-in-law Kathleen O'Bday of Gales Ferry, brother-in-law William Ryley of Niantic, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joel had a wonderful relationship with his late in-laws, Dwight and Cecilia Phillips of Waterford, and sisters-in-law Nancy Ryley of Niantic and Mary LaPanne of New London.

Joel is also survived by four daughters from a previous marriage, Kim, Theresa, Robin, and Stacy, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Thursday, December 7th at 10am at Jordan Cemetery, Boston Post Rd., Waterford.

Semper Fidelis and Fideli Certa Merces, Always Faithful and To the Faithful there is certain Reward.