Peter G. Gillis, 88, of East Hartford passed away January 22, 2023 at Glastonbury Health Care Center, and into the loving embrace of his beloved wife, Eleanor who predeceased him in 1995 after 36 years of marriage.

Peter was born in Wilkes Barre, PA in 1934, graduating from Wilkes Barre Township High School in 1952. He enlisted in the US Air Force and served during the Korean War, leaving the USAF as an A1C. Peter married his wife Eleanor in 1959 and relocated to Connecticut. He graduated from the Ward School of Electronics in Hartford. Peter worked for Pratt & Whitney for 35 years; staying in touch with his P&W friends in retirement.

Pete loved the great outdoors. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed fishing, hunting and trap shooting. He was a member of many clubs, most recently the Andover Sportsman Club. He was very handy and could fix or repair just about anything. Peter loved spending time with his family, friends, and miniature schnauzers. The family will fondly remember all the fishing and beach trips, the Red Dog, pool days, his famous voicemail messages, and him singing his favorite song, Rhinestone Cowboy. Peter is survived by his daughter, Elaine Krol of South Windsor; two sons, Edward Gillis of Vernon, and John Gillis of Amston; five grandchildren, Kelly Magro of Vernon, Kyle Krol of Hollywood, FL, Haley Krol of South Windsor, Gregory Gillis, of Boston, MA and Alexandra Gillis of Amston.

Calling hours for Peter will be Thursday, Jan. 26 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Avenue. A brief gathering prior to church will be Friday, Jan. 27, from 8:30 to 9:20 a.m. at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial follows at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 33 Church St., followed by committal service at Hillside Cemetery. To share a memory or expression of sympathy online, visit www.NewkirkandWhitney.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion charities, https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate#legion-org