Rowland Patrick Gillen

Rowland Patrick Christopher Gillen 1932 - 2012 "Gil" "Ronnie" Rowland Patrick Christopher Gillen, 80, of Temple Hills, MD passed away unexpectedly with family and friends by his side on Saturday November 17, 2012 at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC. Born in Derry, Ireland he was a son of the late William J. and Anne (Lloyd) Gillen. He immigrated from Ireland in 1950 and was very proud of his Irish heritage and being from Derry. He was the beloved husband of Josephine B. (Power) Gillen. They had celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on August 6, 2012. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired as a TSGT with over twenty years of service included in which was a tour of duty in Viet-Nam. After retiring from the Air Force he worked as a communications specialist for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) retiring in 1995. He enjoyed doing crosswords, yard work, story telling, and spending time with his family and his three dobermans, Riley, Keavy, and Renny. He was an avid Redskins and Orioles fan. He was very friendly and outgoing and he enjoyed meeting and talking with people. In 1965 he wrote an essay entitled "I Am An American". He was presented a medal for this writing by the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge for communicating and bringing a better understanding of the American way. Along with his wife Josephine, he is survived by four daughters, Theresa Wagoner (Neil), Maria Carson (Kent), Kathleen and Louise Gillan, five grandchildren, Travis, Matthew, Bobby, Sean, and Kaeley, a sister Philomenna in Ireland, a brother William J. (Norma), and many many nieces and nephews and beloved extended family in England, Ireland, and here in America. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rowland Patrick Gillen please visit our Sympathy Store.