Paul A. Gillis

Paul Andrew Gillis, 79, of Nashua, NH and Manomet, MA, husband of Eugenia T. Gillis, died quietly Saturday morning, November 20, 2010, in Nashua.

Paul was born in Revere, MA, on November 25, 1930, one of eight children to Katherine and Edward Gillis. He graduated from Boston University in 1952, and the University of Connecticut in 1959, after which he became a Registered Pharmacist. In between degrees, he served in the United States Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of Captain.

When he returned from his overseas duty, Paul married the nurse with the big blue eyes, Jeannie Martin. Together, he and Jean were married for 54 years. They moved throughout New England, settling in Nashua in 1963, then later enjoying their time away together in their other home on Cape Cod. They raised four children, and celebrated as one after another of their eight grandchildren were also blessed upon them.

Shortly after moving to Nashua, Paul bought what is now Ken’s Pharmacy, in Manchester, NH, where he worked every year since. This past year, he was honored as one of New Hampshire’s few and distinguished 50-year pharmacists. He tended to many customers in those 50+ years, hand-delivering countless prescriptions to the homes of elderly or others who couldn’t make the trip into his store. He would count out tablets while rapping his spatula to beat of Big Band tunes playing in the background. And when a baby would come into the store, all business would cease: He would ask politely to hold that child, his eyes would melt, and no one was ever in a hurry.

A pharmacist by trade, he loved to go fishing and clamming, had a most prolific garden (known far and wide for his tomatoes), and produced treasures from his woodworking shop. They were all his quiet escapes. But at the end of whatever kind of day, it was his Jean with whom he wanted to share his stories and be with.

Paul gave his heart to his wife, his children, his family. He gave his life to leave this world too early, to not have us watch him suffer, as he closed his eyes and opted for a deep, peaceful slumber instead. Sleep well, GOP.

Paul leaves his wife, Jean, and their four children: Ken Gillis, of Goffstown, NH; Carole Gillis, of Winchester, MA, and her children Erik, Linnea, Emily and Pelle; Alan Gillis and his wife Susan, of Mattapoisett, MA, and their daughters Isabelle and Katherine; and Adele Gillis, of Oakland, CA, and her sons Peter and Christopher. He also leaves two sisters, Ruth Buskirk, of Belmont, MA, and Adele Kelly, of Vero Beach, FL, and countless nieces and nephews.

SERVICES: At his request, there shall be no calling hours. A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church. 29 Spring Street in Nashua, on Tuesday, November 23, at 10:00 a.m. Friends are invited to attend and will gather at the church. A private interment will take place next spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name for the children at Child Health Services, Manchester, NH: http://www.childhealthservices.org. Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua. (603) 882-0591. www.farwellfuneral.com.