Donald
E.
Gillis
December 22, 1932 - January 1, 2021
Resided in Jamestown, Rhode Island
Donald Edward Gillis, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 1, 2021. He is survived by his three children, Edward Gillis, Keith Gillis, and Melanie Gillis. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Thomas, and sisters, Marie, and Evelyn. He was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth. Donald was blessed to be the grandfather of his beloved Joshua, Dom, Ashlin, Grant, Sidney and Lucas; and five great-grandchildren, Joshua, Jr., Cassius, Jeremy, Brody, and Jonathan.
Donald grew up in Jamestown and graduated from Rogers High School in 1951. He soon enlisted in the Air Force and while stationed in Scotland, he met his wife to be, Margaret. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Jamestown and would become the Recreation Director for the town where he remained in that position from 1957 through 1964. Also, he was subsequently employed at Raytheon and Yorktown Associates Real Estate, and later still, as the meal site manager for the Jamestown Nutrition Program for Elders. About that same time, he met Elizabeth Purdum with whom he would spend more than 35 years. Don and Betty would entertain both their families with a lobster bake at Betty’s lakeside cottage which allowed for all to swim, kayak, and enjoy the company of family and friends. Donald was a coach, mentor, and friend to innumerable Jamestowers. His spirit of giving was received by many, including the town’s youth basketball teams, the elderly who enjoyed his prepared meals at the meal site, and all who attended functions where he cooked as a member of the St. Mark Knights of Columbus Council #9197. One of the many ways Don profoundly impacted his fellow Jamestowners was as a founding organizer of the local Alcoholics Anonymous, and as a sponsor for many of those who have attended and needed his counsel and encouragement.
Don will be remembered for many contributions made, but his loyalty, kindness, and love for his family and friends will clearly be among the greatest lasting attributes of this fine man.
Donald will be laid to rest in St. Mark Cemetery, Jamestown at 10 am on Monday, January 25, 2021 where his graveside service will be privately held.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Housing Hotline, 40 Dr Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI 02840 will be appreciated.
Donald grew up in Jamestown and graduated from Rogers High School in 1951. He soon enlisted in the Air Force and while stationed in Scotland, he met his wife to be, Margaret. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, he returned to Jamestown and would become the Recreation Director for the town where he remained in that position from 1957 through 1964. Also, he was subsequently employed at Raytheon and Yorktown Associates Real Estate, and later still, as the meal site manager for the Jamestown Nutrition Program for Elders. About that same time, he met Elizabeth Purdum with whom he would spend more than 35 years. Don and Betty would entertain both their families with a lobster bake at Betty’s lakeside cottage which allowed for all to swim, kayak, and enjoy the company of family and friends. Donald was a coach, mentor, and friend to innumerable Jamestowers. His spirit of giving was received by many, including the town’s youth basketball teams, the elderly who enjoyed his prepared meals at the meal site, and all who attended functions where he cooked as a member of the St. Mark Knights of Columbus Council #9197. One of the many ways Don profoundly impacted his fellow Jamestowners was as a founding organizer of the local Alcoholics Anonymous, and as a sponsor for many of those who have attended and needed his counsel and encouragement.
Don will be remembered for many contributions made, but his loyalty, kindness, and love for his family and friends will clearly be among the greatest lasting attributes of this fine man.
Donald will be laid to rest in St. Mark Cemetery, Jamestown at 10 am on Monday, January 25, 2021 where his graveside service will be privately held.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Housing Hotline, 40 Dr Marcus Wheatland Blvd., Newport, RI 02840 will be appreciated.
Funeral Home
Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home
825 Boston Neck Road
North Kingstown, RI US 02852
North Kingstown, RI US 02852
Housing Hotline
40 Dr Marcus Wheatland Blvd
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
