Joseph Gillen

A native and lifelong Staten Islander, Joseph was born June 8, 1952, to Shirley (Finley) Gillen and Joseph Owen Gillen Sr. Much of Joseph's life was defined by his sense of service to others. A dedicated firefighter and fire marshal with the FDNY, he was also a first responder on 9/11. Following his retirement from New York's Bravest, Joseph was a volunteer with the Red Cross, providing emergency assistance and disaster relief domestically and internationally. Inspired by his irreverent sense of humor, Joseph pursued a second career as an actor/comedian. In so doing, he accomplished his goal as a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife, Valentina; stepdaughter, Elina Vasitskay and her husband, Kevin; sisters, Candice Bryan, Calann Lundin, Stacey Cuffe, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements by Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. 10310. A memorial service is planned for Sept. 12, 2020. The family will receive callers from 12 noon to 1 p.m., with a Memorial Service beginning at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Joseph's name to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation.