Stephen H. Gillis Jr., age 84, passed away on Monday, July 27, at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford. He was a life-long resident of Manchester-by-the-Sea.
Born in 1936, Stephen graduated from Story High School. He joined the Army and was honorably discharged in 1960. Stephen served in the US Army Reserves until 1973. He devoted most of his livelihood to Connolly Brothers of Beverly as a Heavy Equipment Operator. In the winter months, he helped to clear snow from area roads.
Stephen lovingly cared for the house and yard at the home he helped build with his father and brother in 1950. Each morning he could be seen tending grave sites and watering flowers at the Chane, Saulnier and Gillis family plots in Rosedale Cemetery.
Stephen is survived by two nephews Patrick B. Gillis and Daniel B. Gillis. He was predeceased by his parents, Stephen H. and Mary A. (Saulnier) Gillis, brother Richard T. Gillis, and nephew Michael B. Gillis.
A graveside service will be held for Stephen Saturday, August 1, at 9:30 a.m., in Rosedale Cemetery Extension in Manchester. Family and friends are invited to attend. Mask and social distancing guidelines will be observed. Contributions may be made in Stephen’s name to Fisher House Foundation (fisherhouse.org/) for families of veterans receiving care at VA or DoD medical facilities.
