James H. Gillen, Sr.

Born: 9/12/1922
Died: 9/15/2011

Mr. James H. Gillen, Sr., age 89, of New Castle, DE, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2011.
A native Delawarean, James was born in Wilmington on September 12, 1922, son of the late James Casper Gillen and Mildred Elizabeth Hammerer, and attended St. Mary’s Elementary School. He assisted in the war effort in 1942 working for the Delaware Department of Defense.
James was employed as a professional bus driver with DART for 42 years until his retirement and had also worked for 17 years as a driver for the Hagley Museum. Following his retirement, he accepted a position in delivery with Walker Florist.
A devout Catholic throughout his life, James was a longtime member of Our Lady of Fatima parish. He was also a member of the Defiance Club.
In his leisure hours, he enjoyed fishing and crabbing as the captain of his own boat, “Sunset,” and watching Thoroughbred horse racing at Delaware Park. Most of all, James delighted in spending time with his beloved family and will be long remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Cecilia K. Laskowski Gillen, in 2009. He is survived by his children, James R. Gillen, Sr. (Madeline), Lawrence P. Gillen, Sr. (Barbara), Linda D. Russell (Clifford), Mary B. Walters (Ronald), and Patricia S. Kolbe (William); brother, Harry J. Gillen (Sophie); sisters, Joan Golden (Bobby) and Elaine Nitsche (Joe); 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and 2 great great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 am on Thursday, September 22, 2011, at Our Lady of Fatima R.C. Church, 801 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington.