William D. Gillis, age 62, of Brockton, was taken too soon when he passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2021. He leaves behind family and friends who are devastated by his loss and will miss his all-encompassing love for them and, of course, his love for a good time.
Billy, as he was known to his family and friends, was lovingly married to his wife Denise (Duval) for 32 years. Together they raised four sons: Brian Gillis and his wife Avy of Reno, NV; Kevin Gillis of Brockton, MA; Sean Gillis of Providence, RI and Liam Gillis of Bend, OR. He was born in Middleboro, MA, the youngest of 12 children to the late James and Grace (Powers) Gillis.
Bill loved his country and proudly served 8 years in the United States Air Force. He later worked in the automotive industry, including 17 years at Audi of Westwood. One of Bill’s greatest joys in life was the many years he spent coaching his sons in their youth sports teams. When he wasn’t coaching, he could be found watching and cheering for his beloved Boston sports teams. Bill enjoyed vacationing with his family and spending many summer weeks in New Hampshire. He loved to golf and play cribbage, just a few of the many hobbies he shared with his sons.
Bill is survived by his siblings Teri DiGiovanni of Cotuit, MA; Patricia Willis of Middleboro, MA; Rose Teixeira of Carver, MA; Kathleen Genson of Arizona; Robert Gillis of Falmouth, MA; Richard Gillis of Raynham, MA and Charles Gillis of Arizona. He was predeceased by his siblings Grace Costa, Michael Gillis, James “Skip” Gillis and John Gillis. Bill leaves behind sisters-in-law Jackie Cote of Uxbridge, MA; Andrea Oliver of Fairhaven, MA; Mimi Bateman of New Bedford, MA and brother-in-law Tommy Duval of Franklin, MA. He was brother in law of the late Marcelle Lambert. He was loved and will be missed by countless nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bill had an outgoing personality and a never-ending sense of humor. He could make a friend out of anyone he met. Although his time here was cut short, he will be remembered for his ability to brighten any room and living his life to the absolute fullest.
He will be missed.
Visiting hours will be held at Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, MA, on Friday, July 16 from 2 pm – 6 pm.
In lieu of flowers his family asks that donations be made in Bill’s memory to the Home Base foundation (www.homebase.org) or Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (www.cancer.org).