Lawrence Francis Gillen

Riverton, CT:  Lawrence Francis Gillen, 97, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023 at his home.  Born on April 17, 1926, in Cheshire, CT, he was the son of the late Thomas and Augusta (Felske) Gillen, He attended local schools there and proudly served in the U. S. Navy during WW II, in the south Pacific, aboard the USS Hobson and the USS DeHaven.  In 2011, Lawrence lost his wife of 63 years, Margaret (Mongillo) Gillen.  After their move to Riverton, they had a greenhouse called Gillen's of Riverton where they sold plants and vegetables.  He enjoyed beer "1,2,3,3", was a Red Sox fan - "FOREVER" .  After they finally  won the World Series, he proclaimed, "I've waited my entire life to see this."  He also enjoyed pizza from the "Berkshire" Restaurant in Torrington, had a chicken farm in Southington and he also loved his dogs and grand dogs"Chief,"Aerial","buffy"and "Brandy" plus 3 dalmatian.
His survivors include two daughters, Virginia M. Haberman and her husband Richard of Aspen, CO, and Mary Jane Shaker and her husband Alan, of Cape Coral, FL a son, Lawrence Thomas Gillen and his wife Marie of Riverton; eight grandchildren,  Beth, David, Molly, Heidi, Samantha, Kimmy, Tina & Amy as well as nine great grandchildren, Morgan, Thomas, Oskar,  Morgan, Lillian, Madison, Jacksyn, Elizabeth and Robert;
Several nieces and nephews.  He was also predeceased by a sister, Helen Hamilton, a brother, George Gillen, a daughter, Kathleen Ann Gillen and a great grandson, Anthony Lee Popa. Special thanks to the Veterans Administration and the Foothill visiting Nurse and appreciation for his granddaughter Amy that took care of him for the last 5 years. Graveside Services will be Saturday ,November 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas Cemetery in Southington, CT. With Military Services.

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