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William J. Gillen, 88, Retired Weston Teacher

SOUTHBURY, Conn. - William John Gillen of Southbury died Thursday, Feb. 27. He was 88.

William J. Gillen

William J. Gillen

Photo Credit: The Daily Voice/Contributed

Gillen was born April 5, 1925, in New York City, to William and Nancy (Pontieri) Gillen. He served in World War II as a bombardier in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was a U.S. Army combat infantryman during the Korean War.

After his military service, he attended Fairfield University, graduating in 1954. He became a teacher and taught in the Weston school system for more than 30 years. After his retirement in 1982, he and his wife lived in Florida for more than 20 years.

Gillen is survived by his brother, John Gillen of Cornwall, N.Y.; children, Kevin Gillen of South Glastonbury (Chonita), Maureen Gillen-Brown of Marion, Mass., Sheila Gillen Gross of Roxbury (Rick), Bernadette Addessi of Newtown (Wayne); and 12 grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Geraldine; infant daughter, Monica; son-in-law, David Stampfl; and brother, Robert Gillen.

Calling hours are Tuesday, March 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St., Newtown. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, at St. Rose of Lima, Newtown. Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery in Danbury.

Contributions may be made in Gillen's memory to the Weston High School Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 1026, Weston, CT 06883 and to Simply Smiles, 1771 Post Road E., Westport, CT 06880 or at simplysmiles.org.

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