Obituary of John Gillis

John F. Gillis, Jr., a medical engineer, who helped pioneer development of the first implantable infusion pump, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center, on Thursday December 16, 2010. The husband of Patricia A. (Rooney), he was 81 years old. Jack was born in New Britain, Ct. He was the son of the late John and Alice Gillis. Jack’s father was in the Navy so he spent his younger years growing up in California before his family eventually settled in Fitchburg. He was a graduate of St. Bernard High School in Fitchburg. He went on to graduate from Northeastern University. Jack followed his father’s example serving in the Navy during the Korean War and was the recipient of the Navy Occupation Service Medal. He had a successful career as a Quality Assurance Manager and Engineer. Jack had worked at a number of medical electronics companies including Infusaid, Unitrode, and Therex Corporation. He start as an engineer and finished his career as a certified quality assurance manager. One of the projects he was especially proud of was the implantable infusion pump. The pump was a considerable breakthrough in medical electronics, giving patients the freedom to live a more normal life. Jack had a number of interests over the years. He was a huge sports enthusiast. He was a golfer, bowler, and was a faithful Boston Sports fan. He enjoyed a good game of chess. He was a Third and Fourth Degree member of the Burlington Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the American Legion. He had been a resident of Burlington since 1957. Since his retirement in 1994, he enjoyed wintering in Seal Beach, California. He was a devoted husband, a caring and understanding father, and a proud grandfather and great grandfather. Jack was the beloved husband of 57 years of Patricia A. (Rooney) Gillis. He was the loving father of John F. Gillis, III & his wife Sheryl of Lowell, Janet McFall & her husband James of Billerica, Kenneth of Billerica, Edward & his wife Lisa of San Jose, CA, Stephen & his wife Maureen of Franklin, Peggy of Lowell and Tricia of Burlington. He was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Pastella. He was also survived by 14 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 1-4 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, BURLINGTON. Memorials in Jack’s name may be made to St. Margaret’s Building Fund, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803 and K of C Exceptional Children’s Fund, PO Box 25, Burlington, MA 01803.