Obituary of Richard D. Red Gillen

Belleview, FL Richard D. "Red" Gillen, Sr., 70, formerly of Fultonville passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 6, 2008 at his home in Belleview Florida surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Amsterdam July 8, 1937 a son of the late Nicholas and Elizabeth Jakob Gillen. Red was raised and attended school in the Fultonville area. He was a 1956 graduate of Fonda Fultonville Central School. Following graduation Red entered the US Army and served from 1957 to 1959, departing due to a family hardship. Following his return to the area, Red and his business partner, Marty Knowlton, owned and operated the Dairy Isle in Fonda for several years. Red also worked for Prudential Insurance for 20 years, retiring in 1994. He married the former Paula Walter on February 21, 1987 and resided with her in Fultonville until their move in recent years to Florida. His loving family includes his wife of nearly 21 years, Paula Gillen of Belleview, FL, a son, Richard D. Nicole Harris Gillen, Jr. of Belleview, a daughter, Beth Joe Hogan of Ft. Plain, a sister, Marguerite Horman of Fonda, five step-children, Jackie Capt. Steven, US Marine Devost of Jacksonville, NC, Jill Todd Hime of Belleview, Julie Kretser of Little Falls, Jodie Joseph Darrow of Belleview and Jarrod Kretser of Belleview, grandchildren, Ryan and Justin Gillen of Amsterdam, Ricky Vogel, US Army, Kyle Rodeo and Kassidy Hogan of Ft. Plain, Nathan and Emily Hime of Belleview, Carly and Isabella Drake of Little Falls, Madison and Evan Devost of Jacksonville, NC and Jordan Kretser who resided with his grandparents in Belleview. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, Red was predeceased by two brothers, Nicholas and William Gillen. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at Fonda Reformed Church, Broadway, Fonda, NY 12068 with Rev. Christopher DeGraaf, officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Fonda. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday evening January 11 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Jackson & Betz Funeral Home, 15 Main St., Fultonville, NY. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Red's memory may be made to Hospice of Marion County, Inc., PO Box 4860, Ocala, FL 34478-4860.