Donald M. Gillis

WESTBOROUGH- Donald M. Gillis, 83, of Westborough, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 27, 2012 at home. He was the husband of Mary K. (MacDonald) Gillis to whom he was married for 57 years.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Chester A. and Alice M. (Wright) Gillis. He was educated in Dedham schools, was a 1947 graduate of Dedham High School and attended Northeastern University.

During the Korean Conflict he served with the U.S. Navy on the Rhine River Patrol.

Don worked as a sales representative for several steel companies, including Ward Steel in South Boston, Peter A. Frasse Co. of New Jersey, Standard Tube Sales in Marlborough and Allied Press Metal in Worcester. Following his retirement he worked part-time at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens in Boylston and at Westborough Self Storage.

He was an active member of The Congregational Church of Westborough, a 40 year member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, serving as chairman for 35 years, a member of the Board of Assessors, was very active in local government and campaigns, a member and former chairman of the Republican Town Committee. He was a former corporator at Westborough Savings Bank and a trustee for Westborough State Hospital for 20 years. He was also affiliated with Siloam Lodge AF & AM.

In addition to his wife he is survived by one son, Todd E. Gillis of Westborough; one daughter, Elizabeth A. Gillis of Millbury and one brother, Chester A. Gillis, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 1, at 10:30 A.M. in The Congregational Church of Westborough, West Main St., Westborough. There are no calling hours and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Congregational Church of Westborough, 8 Church St., Westborough, MA 01581

---