Paul H. Gillen Jr.

Paul H. Gillen Jr. died peacefully at home in Cutchogue on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012.

He was born in Chicago, Ill., on Feb. 2, 1921, the son of Marie (Bourell) and Paul H. Gillen Sr., and moved to Long Island as a teenager. Paul was a Cornell graduate and retired as second vice president of Seaboard Security in New York City. He proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joan (Ayers), called Jody; his son, Paul H. Gillen III of Florence, Ky.; his sister, Nancy (Thomas W.) Maher of Greenfield, Wis.; his sister-in-law, Jean (the late Bill) Sweeny; many nieces and nephews: Jan Marie (Chad) Fellah, to whom he was godfather; and his nephews, Kevin (Dawn) Erwin of Milwaukee, Wis., and Rick (Laurie) Ellison of Minoa, N.Y. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothy, wife of the late Walter D. Ellison.

We are also grateful for Ileen Truglia and Janet Healy, dear friends who went above and beyond in caring for Paul and Jody when family were unavailable. Many thanks to Eastern Shore Hospice and caregiver Ellie for making his final days filled with a high quality of life.

Paul was a nationally recognized birder and woodcarver. His brilliant mind and charming personality will be missed but never forgotten. HAPPY BIRDING, PABLO!

Memorial visiting hours will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home, 32470 Main Road, Cutchogue. Burial will be private.

The family requests no flowers. Donations can be made in Paul’s name to East End Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice.

This is a paid notice.