Richard J. McGillen, 70, of Derry, NH, died Wednesday, December 3, 2008 in the Parkland Medical Center in Derry. Mr. McGillen was born in Nashua, NH on November 4, 1938, a son of the late Edward and Sylvia (Tuttle) McGillen, and had been a lifelong resident of Derry. He attended Pinkerton Academy in Derry. Mr. McGillen was a US Air Force veteran stationed in Hahn, Germany. He was the owner and operator of D & J Automotive in Derry, and had formerly worked for Jack's Circle Getty and Watt's Auto Salvage both in Derry. Mr. McGillen was a member of the Halcyon Club in Derry. He loved airplanes, and was an avid air show enthusiast.
He is survived by his wife, Edith “Edie” McGillen of Derry; one son, Michael McGillen and his wife Vaughn of Auburn, NH; one daughter, Patricia Chirichiello and her husband Brian of Derry; four grandchildren, Karissa Chirichiello, Amy Chirichiello, Breanna McGillen, and Jackelyn Wright; one brother, Jack McGillen of Derry; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was a beloved father, grandfather and uncle.
Following cremation, calling hours were held on Monday, December 8th from 9 - 11:00am in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry with a service that followed at 11:00am in the funeral home. Private burial was bin the Forest Hill Cemetery in E. Derry. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01710, the Massabesic Audubon Society, 26 Audubon Way, Auburn, NH 03032, or to the Rockingham VNA Hospice, 137 Epping Rd., Exeter, NH 03833.