Obituary of Francis Dennis Gillen

F. Dennis Gillen, 75, of Rome, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2013, with his loving family by his side. Dennis was born on March 3, 1937 in Lyons Falls, NY to the late Francis D. and Laura Weist Gillen. Dennis graduated from West Lyden High School in 1955. On May 5, 1956, he married Lorraine Rawson in West Lyden. Dennis served in the Rome Fire Department and retired as a captain in 1994, after 32 years of service. Dennis was an avid hunter and passionate trout fisherman. He enjoyed those activites with his late brother in law, Paul Keesler, who was the founder and author of NY Sportmans' Magazine. He also enjoyed canoeing. He was a long time member of the Retired Fireman Association. Surviving is his wife, Lorraine; a son and daughter in law, Dennis P. and MarySue Gillen of Rome; two daughters and sons in law, Denise and Bob Giardino of Rome, and Tera and Alex Cherubin of Whitesboro; four grandchildren, Kara and Jenna Gillen and Brandon and Megan Cherubin; two brothers and a sister in law, James Gillen of Rome, and John and Catrine Gillen of Lakewood, CO; three step brothers and two step sisters in law, Douglas and Catherine Gillen of Beaver Falls, NY, Michael Gillen of Colorado, and Patrick and Lori Gillen of Brantingham, NY; a sister and brother in law, Mary and Donald Schue of Boonville; two step sisters and a step brother in law, Cherrie Smith of Boonville, and Barbara Jean and Mark Kovach of Brantingham, NY; and special friends, Janis and Bob Casler. He was predeceased by his step brother, Robert Gillen and step mother Betty Gillen. A memorial mass of the resurrection will be held Friday at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Church. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are entrusted to the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street. Please offer online tributes or light a candle at: www.BarryFuneralHome.com