Peter G. Gillis

Peter G. Gillis, 88 of East Hartford passed away January 22, 2023, at Glastonbury Health Care Center. He passed into the loving embrace of his beloved wife, Eleanor who predeceased him in 1995, after 36 years of marriage.

Peter was born in Wilkes Barre, PA in 1934, graduating from Wilkes Barre Township High School in 1952. He enlisted in the USAF and served during the Korean War, leaving the USAF as an A1C. Peter married his wife Eleanor in 1959 and relocated to Connecticut. He graduated from the Ward School of Electronics in Hartford. Peter worked for Pratt & Whitney for 35 years; staying in touch with his P&W friends post retirement.

Pete loved being in the great outdoors. He was an avid sportsman and through his years he enjoyed fishing, hunting and trap shooting. He was a member of many clubs, most recently the Andover Sportsman Club. He was very handy and could fix or repair just about anything.

Peter loved spending time with his family, friends, and miniature schnauzers. The family will fondly remember all the fishing and beach trips, the Red Dog, pool days, his famous voicemail messages, and him singing his favorite song, Rhinestone Cowboy.

Peter is survived by his daughter, Elaine Krol of South Windsor, CT; two sons, Edward Gillis of Vernon, CT and John Gillis of Amston, CT; five grandchildren, Kelly Magro of Vernon, CT, Kyle Krol of Hollywood, FL, Haley Krol of South Windsor, CT, Gregory Gillis, of Boston, MA and Alexandra Gillis of Amston, CT.

Calling Hours for Peter will be held Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108. A brief gathering prior to Church will occur Friday, January 27, 2023 from 8:30 AM to 9:20 AM, 318 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, January 27, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St Rose Church, 33 Church St, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108. A Committal Service will occur Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hillside Cemetery, Hillside Street, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NewkirkandWhitney.com for the Gillis family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to charities support by the American Legion https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate#legion-org