Obituary of Robert P. Gillis

Robert P. Gillis, 78, of Tribes Hill NY, has gone to his eternal rest on Friday August 5th, 2016 with his loving family at his side. Born on December 4th, 1937 in Amsterdam NY, he was the son of the late Bessie Seeley and Edgar Gillis. Robert attended and graduated from local schools. Having been exceptionally good with his hands he worked as a Machinist for General Electric located in Schenectady NY, earning his retirement in 1994. In his earlier years Robert was a former member of the Quaker Century Club and spent many years involved with the Tribes Hill Volunteer Fire Department. Robert was a lifetime member of the Local 301 IUE. Robert was a jokester who loved to laugh but was also known for having a genuine and caring personality. He loved to be of service and would lend a helping hand to those in need. More than anything Robert was the kind of man you would have been blessed to know; a man who will be sincerely missed by his family and close friends. He was a skilled and talented craftsman who truly enjoyed carpentry and any chance to create a wooden masterpiece. He loved baseball and was an avid Yankees fan and took a lot of pride in staying current with the newest models of cars to hit the market. Robert is survived by his daughters Dawn Marie (Charles) Smullen and Susan Ann (Anthony) Verde; his son Christopher Anthony (Janet) Gillis; his sister Dolores Fitzdam; his grandchildren, Justin Hix, Devin (Trisha) Smullen, Ariel Smullen, Connor Verde, and Zachary Verde; his great grandson and buddy Benjamin Smullen; and his fiancé Sally Fletcher. Robert is predeceased by his former wife Joan Gillis; his wife Marilyn Gillis; his parents Edgar and Bessie Gillis; his brothers Edwards Gillis and Charles Gillis; his sisters Betty Cole and Marjorie Jean Langdon; his granddaughter Kristen Italia Gillis; and his brother in-law Harold Fitzdam. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday August 9th, 2016 at 6pm at Betz, Rossi, & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010. With Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis presiding. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Tuesday prior to the service from 3:30pm to 6pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078, or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Those wishing to express their condolences to the family may do so by signing our online memorial at www.brbsfuneral.com.