Dennis Gordon Gillen

Dennis G. Gillen, 83, passed away in Merced, California on February 26, 2022. Dennis was born on October 13, 1938 in Greeley, Colorado where he lived for 18 years. His mother tragically died when Dennis was five years old. He lived with his father, Vernon, until his father married Dennis’ stepmother, Katherine, seven years later. Dennis’ half-sisters, Mary Lou and Joanne, were born shortly after. Dennis met his wife, MaryAnn, while in college and married her in 1960 and they had three children together; John, Stephen, and Joan Marie. Dennis earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from KSU and then worked as a R&D Chemical Scientists for 25 years, followed by an additional 20 years as a freelance consultant. Dennis moved his family from St. Louis, Missouri after 11 years to the Bay Area of California in 1976. Dennis separated from his wife in 1985 and then moved to Merced in 2001.

Dennis was a devoted father, son, brother, and catholic. He has been a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church in Merced for over 20 years and served in many different positions from finance committee to lecture. He served on the Board of Directors for his Home Owner’s Association in Paseo Del Verde, became a Rotarian, was a member of the Merced Community College Foundation Board, and supported the Carole Stinson Literacy Foundation of Palo Alto where he served as the “champagne pourer” for their fundraisers.

Dennis loved his life and was very active. He loved ballroom dancing, hiking, golf, tennis, trout fishing, wine tasting, and nature. He donated his time and treasure to helping others and was loved by his community and family. He always talked about his children, grandchildren, and sisters. He had a great business acumen and a very friendly and warm disposition. Dennis was a well-respected and active member of the Merced Community.

Dennis is survived by his children, John M. Gillen (Union City, CA), Stephen G. Gillen (Avondale, AZ), Joan M. Maitoza (Salinas, CA); Parents, Vernon P. Gillen, Virginia D. Hartsook, and Katharyn M Gillen (Step Mother); Half-Sisters, Mary Lou Lybarger and Joanne Rohrer; Grandparents, Royal and May Hartsook, Hugh H Gillen, and Evelyn Elbert; his four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A Mass will be held in Dennis’ honor on March 19, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Merced, California beginning at 9A.M. Internment is to follow at a later date in Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratfordevansfunerals.com for the Gillen family.