HALFMOON Thomas R. Gillis, 68 lost his year long battle with Pancreatic Cancer early Tuesday morning, March 30th. He never asked why me, he fought valiantly and never complained about the extreme pain he was in. Tom was born in Argyle and grew up in Lansingburgh.
In 1976, Tom began a long running 32 year career in the CATV industry. Starting out as an installer at NewChannels, he made many friends and worked his way up to a supervisory position through positive leadership- always treating people the way he would want to be treated. In addition to his civilian job, at the young age of 17, Tom proudly embarked upon a 27 year military career. Tom first served in the USMC during the Vietnam War as a radio operator in a Re-con Unit. After a short break from the military, Tom felt strongly the desire to serve his country again. The remainder of his military career was spent in the Air National Guard where he served several deployments supporting the US Antarctic Program, security in NYC following 9/11, Border Patrol in New Mexico, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and most recently, prior to his retirement in 2011, he was activated to aid in the recovery effort following tropical storm Irene. Tom was a true patriot and although he enjoyed his time serving with the ANG, he always made it known “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”
Tom was a long time member of the VFW Post #1498 in Halfmoon where he had served as commander. Up until recently he was a member of the Saratoga National cemetery Honor Guard Wednesday squad. Tom was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption church in Waterford.
Tom had a love of reading and it was rare to see him without a book in his hand. He had a great knowledge of History and anything Military. He loved music and when quizzed he always knew the year a song was released and who the artist was. Tom enjoyed being outdoors, especially his time spent in the Adirondacks. He was an avid hunter for many years and also enjoyed fishing.
He leaves behind his wife of over 44 years Claudette (Chouinard) , his two children that he was so proud of, Taylor (Jona) and Amber (David Cost); He was Poppie to his three grandchildren, Brenyn and Cayden Cost and Beau Gillis.
No flowers, please. Tom did ask that if you choose to make a memorial donation in his name, it be made to Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP) at the Stratton VA Medical center. This program helps veterans who are struggling with alcohol and substance abuse. Checks should be made out to “Stratton VAMC” with Tom’s name and SARRTP on the memo line and will be handled through the Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday April 6th at 7 pm at Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St. (Rte.32), Waterford.
Relatives and friends may visit the funeral home on Tuesday, April 6th from 4-7 pm prior to the service.
Masks will be required, social distancing and occupancy protocol will be observed.
Interment will be at a later date at Saratoga National Cemetery.