Mr. John T. Gillen, Sr., a resident of Jay, Maine and the beloved husband of the late Anne M. (Gates) Gillen, passed away in Wilmington, MA on Saturday morning, December 14, 2024. He was 85 years old.
Born in Revere, MA, he was the cherished son of the late John E. and Jean (Watts) Gillen. After settling in Georgetown, MA with his wife Anne, John became a well-known member of the community. He worked as a skilled butcher in local grocery stores and later established a successful karate studio, where he positively influenced the lives of many local students. John concluded his professional career as the Head Custodian for the Georgetown Public School Department and later took on a retirement job as a bus driver, supporting troubled youth with patience and care.
In his free time, John was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, and archery. He also had a passion for woodworking and took great pride in his craft. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, who were the center of his world. John’s generosity, dedication, and commitment to taking care of those around him will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
John is survived by his loving children; Donna M. Dodge of Jay, ME; John T. Gillen, Jr. and his wife Kathleen of Brentwood, NH; Jeffrey T. Gillen and his wife Lori of Georgetown, MA; and Christopher G. Gillen and his wife Kara of Belmont, NH. He is also survived by several adopted children, Jamie; Sheila; Michael; Mark; and Traide. John also leaves his brother James Gillen and wife Sally of Frostburg, MD; and sister Judith Anderson and husband Carl of Atkinson, NH; sister-in-law Elizabeth Steiner of Virginia Beach, VA and sister-in-law Louis Gillen of Frostburg, MD; brother-in-law John Royce; along with his grandchildren, Amy Hopkins; Mary Weaver; Jasmine Dodge; Bryson Dodge; Jaclynne Ennaciri; Seth Gillen; Kelly Scholler; Kyle Gillen; Kaleigh Turner; Shane Gillen; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his sister Jacqueline Royce; his brother Joseph Gillen; his great-grandson Adam Ennaciri; and adopted children Thomas; Charles; Amanda; and Katherine.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, December 20, 2024 at St Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery 29 Barker St. Lawrence, MA 01841. Friends and family wishing to attend are asked to please meet at the cemetery.
The Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home in Andover, MA has been entrusted with John’s care.