John Gillard

Obituary of John Loveless Gillard

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John Loveless Gillard, 76, passed away peacefully at home on May 8, 2020 in Green Valley, AZ. His wife, Mary Kay was by his side. John was born in Fulton, NY and raised in Penn Yan, NY. Upon completion of high school, John joined the United States Navy and spent 21 wholesome healthy years serving his country. He retired in 1984 as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretive Chief Petty Officer (Naval Aircrew). John was a Spanish and French linguist. John also attended S.E.R.E. (survival, evasion, resistance and escape) School as a Chief Petty Officer, an accomplishment of which he was very proud. John would want us all to be reminded that our country's freedom has been earned through sacrifice which we should never take for granted. Having lived all over the world while in the Navy, John spent his last 30 years living in Irondequoit, NY and the last 10 years wintering in Arizona. As a member of Ontario Country Club, John enjoyed the camaraderie of countless rounds of golf and the appropriately accompanying Guinness with many friends. John will be dearly missed by his newest companion Jake, while he is listening to his favorite Irish music and observing from above with Seamus. John was a very kind, loving genuine gentle man. He believed in God and was devoted to Him. He was grateful for his many blessings. John took an interest in every person he met, often leaving them with a cherished crystal. John was a very gregarious and generous person who enjoyed life to the fullest. John is predeceased by his parents, George Frederick, Jr. and Mary Loveless Gillard, his sister, Sarah (Sally) Mitchell, his twin brother, George Frederick, III, and his younger brother Michael. He is survived by his wife, Mary Kay; daughter, Teresa and son, Jeffrey John; sisters, Ellen, Kathleen and Mary (Mark) Nielsen, and three grandchildren.

 

A memorial service will be held at A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 8th, 2021 at 2:30pm at Spiritus Christi Church, 121 N. Fitzhugh St, Rochester, NY 14604. Those wishing to do so may make a memorial donation to Sunset House, 3746 St. Paul Blvd., Rochester, NY 14617 or St. Jude's Childrens Hospital (stjudes.org).