Robert Carroll Gill, 74, of Noank, loving husband of Diana Coates Gill, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 20, 2007.
He was born on October 25, 1932, in West Haven, and was the son of the late George and Helen Gill. After graduating from West Haven High School, he attended Brown University, where he met his future wife Diana, and where he developed a lifelong commitment to the University and the many friendships that began there. At Brown, he majored in economics and played on the varsity hockey team.
He married Diana Coates on April 16, 1955, and they began their life together in Newport, Rhode Island, where he served aboard the USS Fessenden as a gunnery officer. In 1957, he embarked on a 38 year-long career at the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, and he worked in numerous executive positions, including Chief of Planning and Director of Material Control.
The commencement of his career at E.B. also marked his move to Noank Village, a place that he called home for almost fifty years. His interest in the town spanned from the waters edge to the local firehouse. He served as a chairman of the Zoning Commission and Park Commission, and was a long-time member of the Ram Island Yacht Club. In Noank, he built upon his childhood love of the sea and sailing, and most importantly, he began a family, which was always at the center of his life.
His greatest joy was always found in caring for his wife, children and grandchildren, and his commitment to family was matched only by his dedication to hard work at home and in all that he did. He was an active member of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Mystic.
Long an avid skier, at the age of 62 he took up downhill racing and became a member of the Silver Streaks group at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire. At Waterville, he was known for his good humor, his helpfulness, and his love of skiing. In one recent year, he was the fastest racer in his age group on the mountain.
In addition to his wife of 51 years, he is survived by a daughter, Cathryn Oulighan of Stamford; two sons, Christopher, of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Robert, of Miami, Florida; and seven grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Helen Moon of Cookeville, Tennessee and Patricia Gill of Oxford; and a brother, George Gill of New Milford.
His family will greet relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be conducted at St. Mark’s Church, 15 Pearl Street in Mystic, on Friday at 11a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in the name of Robert C. Gill to Ability Plus (an adaptive ski program at Waterville Valley that helps physically and mentally
challenged children and adults enjoy the freedom of the mountain), P.O. Box 253, Waterville Valley, NH 03215; or to the Brown University Sports Foundation, Box 1925, Providence, RI 02912.
To send his family a message of remembrance/condolence, please click the link below.