Richard F. Gillen, 86, of Wallingford, formerly of North Haven passed away peacefully on Friday, November 27, 2015 at the Masonicare Health Center in Wallingford. He was the husband of 40 years to Joy Rogers Gillen. Dick was born in Hartford on December 14, 1928; son of the late James A. and Sarah Fenton Gillen and served his country faithfully during the Korean war. He then served in the Army Reserves and was commander of the 729th Railway Battalion in New Haven followed by additional service at the Military Transportation Management Command. He retired from the Reserves in 1988 as a Colonel after 35 years of service. Dick obtained a Bachelor’s degree from UCONN; had worked for Nationwide Insurance for 19 years and later was the Director of Public Works for the Town of North Haven until his retirement. Dick was a avid golfer, past president of the Wallingford Country Club; and former member of the North Haven Board of Finance. Father of Richard S. Gillen and the late Karin, Christopher and Lauri Gillen Burauski. Step-Father of Richard Ibsen and James Ibsen (Marlene). Grandfather of Christine Huve (Troy), Robert F. and David W. Gillen (Kara). Predeceased by a brother James A. Gillen.
Family and friends are invited to meet directly at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Whitney Avenue, Hamden on Tuesday morning at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal services immediately following with full military honors in All Saints Cemetery. The visiting hours will be on Monday from 5 to 7 pm at the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice or the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492