Thomas Gilleran Obituary

Gilleran, Thomas A. Thomas A. Gilleran, 94, died Saturday January 15th 2011 at Clare Oaks Retirement Community in Bartlett, after a long and healthy life of prosperity. Thomas was born in Chicago Illinois on April 13, 1916 and he was the second oldest of four children. Mr. Gilleran served in the Army as a 1st Lieutenant during World War Two in the Pacific Theater of operations. As an officer, he obtained his associates degree from the Army War College in Virginia. Thomas served his country valiantly as a Munitions Officer of a bomb disposal unit that required much bravery and heroism. He completed his Officer Candidate Course on December 19, 1942. He fought courageously in two of many well known battles which were the Bismarck-Arch and the battle of New Guinea. In the Asiatic-Pacific Theater he received many commendations for his brave actions including the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon with two Stars and Arrowhead, the American Theater Ribbon, the Philippines Liberation Ribbon, the American Defense Ribbon, and the Victory Medal. During his service in the Armed Forces he met his beloved late wife Alice Isabel North of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and they were married on July 26th, 1947. He worked at Binks as a salesman until his retirement. He is survived by one loving son Thomas M. Gilleran and his wife Donna L. Gilleran and his three grandchildren Michael T. Gilleran (Tina Gilleran), Joseph S. Gilleran (Robyn W. Gilleran), and Ryan C. Gilleran (Erin E. Gilleran). He is further survived by his great grandchildren Michael Gilleran, Mathew Gilleran, Andrew J. Gilleran, and Jessica M. Gilleran. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Bob Gilleran and his sister Mary Adams. He is further survived by his younger brother Jim Gilleran and other loving family and friends. His viewing will be on Thursday January 20, 2011 at Countryside Funeral Home at 950 South Bartlett Rd. in Bartlett, IL. from 4 to 9 p.m. The funeral services will be held at Countryside Funeral homes as well on January 21, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. followed by internment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations are sent to St. Jude Childrens Home. 6302897575 or www.countrysidefuneralhomes.com