Hudson – Edward M. Gillen, 69, of Hudson, formerly of Pittsburgh, PA, died unexpectedly Thursday, March 14, 2013 at Marlborough Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Ruth D. (Lang) Gillen of Hudson.
Ed was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, son of the late Michael and Eleanor (Adamiak) Gillen. He was a Vietnam veteran, serving in the U.S. Air Force in Okinawa, Japan.
Ed currently owned and operated New England Refinishing Co. in Hudson for 25-plus years. His passion and unique talent for refinishing furniture was appreciated by the many customers he served. Prior to starting his refinishing business, he was employed as a Data Center Manager for Digital Equipment Corp. from 1969 to 1987 in Maynard and Marlborough. He was an active member of the BNI, Marlborough Chapter. He has resided in Hudson the past 23 years.
He was an avid Pittsburg Steeler fan and also a NASCAR racing fan. He enjoyed listening to the oldies music of the 1950s and 1960s, and loved being an amateur DJ, spinning his 45s for family and friends.
Ed used his skills and joy of cooking to prepare special culinary delights for his family and friends. He will certainly be missed by his family, friends and customers he brought joy to by his craft of refinishing their cherished furniture.
Besides his wife, he leaves his loving in-laws, who considered Edward as a brother and member of their family; his nieces and nephews, who will miss his playful humor and wit; and his many friends. He was the brother of the late Michael B. Gillen Jr. of Pittsburgh.
Family and friends may attend calling hours Thursday, March 21, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m., followed by a service and celebration of Ed's life at 7:30 p.m. at the Tighe-Hamilton Funeral Home, 50 Central St., Hudson. Burial services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Edward may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.
