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John M. Gillis

April 13, 1930 — January 28, 2025

John M. Gillis

John Malcolm Gillis

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Friend.

John Malcolm Gillis, affectionately known as “Giilie” or “Mal,” passed away peacefully on January 28. 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was the devoted husband of the late Irene G. Gillis (Hughes), and the son of the late John A. Gillis and Catherine McMasters Gillis.

John was the loving father of Garry Gillis, Robin Gillis Foster, Renda Thornton, Glenn Gillis, and Rochelle Driscoll (husband Vaughn). He was a proud grandfather to Janelle, Paige, Glenn Jr., Nichole, Christopher, Taylor, Haley, and Riley, and a treasured great-grandfather to Thomas, Amelia, Cambria, Hadley, Kinsley, Olivia, Colby, Declan, Logan, and Austin.

John was also a brother to Edwin Gillis (deceased), Gordon Gillis (deceased), Coreine Butler, and Eileen Myett.

Born in Jamaica Plain, John was raised in Milton, MA, where he forged lifelong friendships that lasted throughout his life. It was while working in Boston that he met the love of his life, Irene. They married in 1954 and went on to raise five children together in Quincy.

John worked as a printer for George Jaques Co. in Boston and proudly served in the Army National Reserves.

Outside of work, John enjoyed playing softball and golfing with his childhood friends, and was an avid fan of Boston sports. He and Irene shared a passion for travel and adventure, and together they created lasting memories with their friends. A gifted dancer, John had a special love for dancing to Sweet Caroline and Mack the Knife with Irene—no one could cut a rug quite like them.

Most of all, John cherished his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Rest in peace, Papa. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Monday 2/3/2025 from 9:00-10:00 AM in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St., QUINCY followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Quincy at 10:30 AM. Burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Quincy.

To send flowers to the family in memory of John M. Gillis, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Monday, February 3, 2025

9:00 - 10:00 am (Eastern time)

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Mass

Monday, February 3, 2025

10:30 - 11:30 am (Eastern time)

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Burial

Monday, February 3, 2025

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

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