Donald J. Gillis, age 92, of Abington, formerly of Brockton and Randolph, died Monday, December 5, 2016 at Colony Center for Health and Rehabilitation. Born in East Boston, Don was the son of the late John and Anastasia (McKinnon) Gillis. He was raised and educated in Randolph and was a WWII veteran. Don served in the Navy from 1943-1946 aboard the USS Colahan in the Pacific Theatre. He had been the proprietor of the Anchor Inn in Randolph and Center Lounge in Brockton, and retired after working nine years for the Veterans Administration. Known for his feistiness, he enjoyed time with friends, fishing and dancing. He had been a long time member of the Samoset Rod and Gun Club.
Don is survived by his daughter Deborah Acorn and her husband Peter Mooney of Carver; a grandson Randy Acorn and great granddaughter Iris Acorn; two sisters Isabelle Damaris of Brockton and Mary Hart of Randolph; his close friend Robert Van Deusen and his wife Kerry and their son Philip of East Bridgewater and many nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Donald J. Gillis Jr. and John Gillis, and brother of the late John Gillis.
Graveside Services will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 11:15am. Please consider donations in Don’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.