Reverend B. Robert Gillis (“Pastor Bob”)

August 31, 1941 - August 8, 2016

The Reverend B. Robert Gillis passed away on August 8, 2016, at his home in Richboro, PA at the age of 74. When he passed, Bob was surrounded by friends and family in his bed overlooking the view he had come to love – the 18^th tee of the Northampton Valley Country Club.

Bob was born and raised in Bucks County, where he met his wife, Patricia, and raised his family. Bob received his Master’s Degree in Theology from Wheaton College in Illinois and began his ministry at Western Springs Baptist Church in Western Springs, Illinois. Bob later moved back to Bucks County with Pat and his two eldest children to help run the family business, Myers and Gillis. He lived and worked in Bucks County for many years where he became an active member in the community and his Church. Although Bob spent many years in the family insurance business, he continued to minister to local families and his fellow businessmen, leading Morning Prayer meetings and teaching at Northampton Presbyterian Church – his family’s home congregation.

After his children were grown, Bob renewed his true passion full-time and joined the staff of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Huntingdon Valley. As “Pastor Bob”, he served on the staff at Gloria Dei for 14 years before returning to his ministerial roots in Illinois where he accepted an Associate Pastor position with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Pastor Bob served at Good Shepherd Church until his retirement in August of 2009. Thereafter, and until his death, Pastor Bob continued to assist congregations in transition as both an interim pastor, and a part-time senior pastoral consultant. Pastor Bob ultimately returned to the staff of Gloria Dei where he served in a part-time capacity until shortly before his death.

In addition to his love for family and ministry, Bob was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. He enjoyed watching and attending games at all of the major sports venues, but in his heart, Bob was always a Phillies fan, first. Bob started going to games at Connie Mack Stadium and then instilled his love of the Phils in each of his children by taking them to the Veterans Stadium “cheap seats” whenever he could. One of the highlights of Bob’s life was a trip to Phillies Fantasy Camp that was given to him by his Gloria Dei Congregation. Bob lived to enjoy both of the Phillies’ World Championships, listening with his grown children to the final call of each series from Harry Kallas. Bob counted these as some of his fondest memories.

Bob is survived by his loving wife Patricia Ann Gillis. He is also survived by his four children and their spouses: his son Borden Robert Gillis, Jr. and his wife Linda Anne Gillis, his daughters Cheryl Lynn Brummans and Ginger Lee Gillis-Shearer, and his son Matthew John Gillis and his wife Kelly Higgins-Gillis. Bob also leaves ten grandchildren: Bradley Cills, Sean Boyle, Kirsten Cills, Christopher Gillis, Sarah Gillis, Shannon Gillis, Matthew Gillis, Nicole Gillis, Delaney Gillis, and Grace Gillis. Bob also had one child, Mark Allan Gillis and one Grandchild, Kevin Boyle, who predeceased him.

A Service of Remembrance and Celebration will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 570 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 on Saturday, August 13^th. Visitation with the family will be from 9:00 am until 11:30 am and a celebration of Bob’s life will immediately follow at 11:30 am. Bob’s Children will also be attending the Phillies home game versus the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday, August 21^st as a special remembrance of their father. If so desired, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to either of the Special funds that have been established at both Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 570 Welsh Road Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1310 Shepherd Drive, Naperville, Ill 60565.