Donald G. Gillen

Donald G. Gillen, 86, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully in the ICU at Chester County Hospital on July 6th, 2022. Formerly of South Philadelphia and Norwood, PA. Don was the loving Husband of Rita (nee Di Iulio); father of Kim Gorman (George and daughter Grace), Mark Gillen (Tina and daughter Rachel), and Jeanne Gillen (daughter Tara Gavin); stepfather of Christine Davis (Gregory) and Danielle Wood (Robie); adored Grandpop of Julia and Andrew Davis, and Ava, Gabriel and Adrian Wood. Don was the beloved brother of John Gillen, Dennis Gillen (Bernadette), the late Ann Fieger (Tom), and the late Edmond Gillen (Shirley). He is also survived by many devoted nieces and nephews.

Donald was a young boy during World War II and greatly admired the courage and skill of the fighter pilots who played a pivotal role in winning the war. He fulfilled a life-long dream by obtaining a pilot's license and spent many exciting years, flying, training pilots, repairing aircraft and traveling.

Don was trained as a jet engine mechanic in the U.S. Air Force. After discharge he was employed by several airlines and spent his happiest years as a Northeast Airlines Yellowbird. Delta Airlines purchased Northeast and Don retired after 29 years of service.

Don enjoyed all kinds of repairs and upgrades around the house. He especially enjoyed entertaining and spending time with family. He highly valued his relationship with his siblings and would boast about the accomplishments of his nieces and nephews. He and his wife Rita shared a strong faith and recently celebrated twenty-five years of marriage at a party with family. His greatest joy was joking with grandchildren and hearing updates about their lives.

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation  on Wednesday July 13, 2022 at SS. Philip and James Church, 107 N. Ship Road, Exton, PA 19341, from 9:45am to 10:45am. Funeral Mass at 11am. Interment in future will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Don's memory may be made to " Kevin From Heaven ", P.O. Box436, Abington, PA 19001 or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and are much appreciated.

Kevin from Heaven
PO Box 436, Abington PA 19001
Email: KeepThePhaith@gmail.com
Web: http://www.kevinfromheaven.org/

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - LLS
3 International Drive, Suite 200, Rye Brook NY 10573
Tel: 1-888-557-7177
Email: customersupport@lls.org
Web: https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076/?ds_rl=1278572&ds_rl=1278572&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzqSWBhDPARIsAK38LY-2k