Patrick Gillen

Patrick James Gillen Sr (80) of Newfoundland, PA formerly of West Milford, NJ passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones and his beloved dog Snoopy.

Patrick was born September 1, 1942, in Paterson to parents Peter and Marion Gillen and to brothers Peter Gillen, Jr and James Gillen.

Patrick married Joan Korkiner on January 12, 1964, and was blessed to have been married for 50 years and welcomed five children into the world.

Patrick was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local Union 14-14B as a Crane Operator and recently received an award of a Gold Watch and Union Pin for 50 Years of Service. He was so proud when he learned of this award but was unable to attend the Union Meeting but accepted it with honors.

Patrick was a long-time parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church where he and his wife received all their sacraments. Patrick served as an Alter boy growing up and was Usher while he attended Mass as an adult. He was also a member of the Knight of Columbus.

Patrick served his West Milford Community as a Volunteer Fireman with Apshawa Fire Company for many years.

Patrick and his wife enjoyed their home in Pennsylvania and finally retired in 2005 and made so many wonderful memories with his family and friends. From his love of hunting and fishing to the weekend family gatherings, the home was filled with laughter and love. And not to mention the perfectly maintained 25 acres that looked like a Golf Course.

Another passion of Patrick was his 1950 ½ ton Chevrolet Pick Up Truck that he restored from the frame up that he entered many Car Shows and won with awards too many to count. Along with the Chevy there was a 1941 Willy’s Hotrod that he loved to show off his driving skills.

Over the many years Patrick and his family would have outings to attend NASCAR Races and in later years he enjoyed watching it in the comfort of his home with family.

In the last couple of years, Patrick loved staying home and enjoying his front porch, taking his dog Snoopy for rides on the Golf Cart and where all the neighbors and friend would catch up with the happenings in the world.

Patrick was a very kind, generous and hard-working Father to provide for his wife and children. A man willing to lend a helping hand to anyone and didn’t expect anything in return. His reward in Heaven will be immense.

Patrick is survived by his three sons and a daughter: Patrick J. Gillen Jr, Thomas Gillen and his wife Kari, Michael Gillen, Ann Marie Cooney and her husband John. Four cherished grandchildren, Kristen Marie Rose and her husband Lewis, Hailey Gillen, Meghan Gillen and Jameson Gillen. And two great granddaughters, Rebecca LeAnn Rose and Reagan Lynn Rose.

Patrick was Preceded by his wife Joan in 2014, his son Kevin in 2020 along with his parents Peter and Marion Gillen and his brother James Gillen.

Visiting hours will be Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023, from 4pm to 9pm at The Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home, 86 Bartholdi Ave., Butler, NJ. A funeral Mass will be offered Thursday 11 am at St. Joseph's Church, West Milford, NJ. Burial to follow in St. Joseph's Church Cemetery.