Robert William Gillean

Robert William was born March 22, 1943 and was deceased on February 27, 2018 in Victoria, Texas. He is predeceased by his father, Robert David Gillean, and his mother Julia Keefe Gillean. He is survived by his sister, Julia Mary Gillean; a niece, Jennifer Clare Fisher-Siddeek; and nephew, Daniel Fisher; as well as many cousins.

Robert attended St. Joseph’s High School graduating in 1961. During high school, he was an altar server for Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio where he earned a B.S degree in Biology. His education was continued at A&M University where he received a Master’s degree in Zoology. His pursuit of a doctorate in Zoology was interrupted by being drafted into the U. S. Army in 1968. He served in Vietnam as a water supply specialist. He was honorably discharged in 1970.

From a very early age he developed a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, and that devotion never wavered.

Following his military discharge, he lived with his parents at their home at 507 S. Wheeler St. in Victoria, where he assisted in the care of his parents, with a special devotion to his mother.

Robert loved the outdoors and all of nature. He was a skilled horseback rider, hunter, and fisherman. He developed a love of photography and took many pictures of nature and people whom he loved.

A short time after his mother deceased in 2000, he made his home with Carlos De la Cruz and his wife Veronica Ceniceros and their two daughters Denisse and Angela. Though Robert remained single his whole life, with this family he found a surrogate son and daughter and surrogate grandchildren, who treated him with great love and care and brought joy to his heart. He treasured the cards and letters of friends and relatives as well as their visits. He donated generously to religious organizations requesting prayers for many people both living and deceased.

A Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, March 23, 2018 at Colonial Funeral Home. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am on Saturday, March 24, 2018 followed by the Memorial Mass at 10:00 am with Father Stephen Vacek presiding. Burial to follow at Catholic Cemetery #3. Reception will follow burial at Colonial Funeral Home.

Share memories with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com