Obituary of William R. Gill

Elmira - Age 85, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Elcor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Horseheads NY. Gilly, a life-long resident of Elmira, went to Elmira Free Academy and graduated with the class of 1957.  He was a member of St. Anthony’s Church until its closing in addition to being a member of the Elmira Elks Club, White Eagles, and Elmira Hibernian Center of Chemung County for over 5 decades.  Gilly worked at Hilliard Corporation as a Quality Control Inspector and was a proud union member before retiring after 35 years of service.  He was an avid euchre and card player while also enjoying traveling, golf, bowling, hunting, the lake, sports (Detroit Tiger/NYG) and spending time with family and friends.  Gilly was a proud Papa who loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was their biggest fan.

Gilly was a son of the late John A. and Blanche (Walker) Gill. He is also predeceased by his wife Lucy M. Gill, and siblings, Tom Gill, Ruth Thomas, and Ellamae Gill Case.

Gilly is survived by his sons and their families: Thomas J. Gill and Christine Lawas of Horseheads with their children, Matthew Gill, Erin Gill, Zachary Lawas and Lucas Lawas: William P. & Shannon Gill of Ellicott City MD with their son Carter; and brother John “Corky” Gill of Elmira.

Family and friends are invited to Gilly’s Mass of Christian Burial to be held at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira, NY, on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Interment, with committal prayers, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. Those wishing may remember Gilly with a donation to Rochester Alzheimer's Association, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd., Ste 110, Rochester NY 14620.