Patricia “Pat” Gillis, formerly of Roxbury and South Boston, passed away peacefully February 1st after a long illness.
The eldest of nine children and blessed with a loyal and generous heart, Pat loved her family and friends dearly and will be remembered for her devotion to maintaining those relationships and her calm, understated demeanor. Patricia loved music and travel, often creating lasting friendships from these experiences. A Budget Analyst at the Department of Transportation for thirty years, it was at the Volpe Center that she met her partner, Robert Nickerson. The two would embark on a nearly 40-year journey together that would take them all over the globe, often enjoying concerts and festivals, and vacationing in their favorite spots of Newport, Rhode Island, New York City, and Martha’s Vineyard. Pat’s appreciation of how music and food can bring people together in a joyous way, was passed down to her only child, Andrea, a professional singer and baker – which she in turn has given to her son Massimo, Patricia’s only grandchild. The traditions established by her mother’s Italian heritage came to define much of Patricia’s heart and soul. Connections to her family in Italy remain strong, due in part to many trips to her beloved “Bosco” in Montemiletto helping to ensure those bonds endured. Pat also embraced her Celtic heritage, an intertwining of Scottish and Irish ancestry, proudly holding an Irish passport and citizenship. A lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox, her meticulous scrap book from the 1967 season is a cherished item that continues to be enjoyed by her family. Pat will be deeply missed by all that knew her, as she was always a steady friend to which anyone could turn.
Patricia is predeceased by her father and mother, the late Joseph and Elena Gillis of Roxbury. She leaves behind partner Robert Nickerson of Pembroke, daughter Andrea Pinansky, her husband Marc Pinansky, and grandson Massimo of Maynard, siblings Marjorie, Jeanne, Charles, Barbara, Thomas, Robert, Cara and James of Boston, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Parkinson’s Foundation, or Franklin Park Zoo.