Westborough – Donald M. Gillis, 83, of Westborough, passed away peacefully 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 Botanic Garden 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. He also 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, Fla.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 1, at 10:30 a.m., in The Congregational Church of Westborough, West Main Street, Westborough. There are no calling hours, and burial will be private. Westborough Funeral Homes is assisting with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Congregational Church of Westborough, 8 Church St., Westborough, MA 01581.
