John L. Gillen "Socker"
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John L. Gillen "Socker", 84, formerly of Gum Tree, Highland Township, Coatesville, PA, passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Oxford, PA. He was the husband of Elizabeth "Betsy" (Ferguson) Gillen for over 42 years. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late George M. and Muriel Saunders Gillen.
He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1959 until 1962 as an Aviation Boatswains Mate aboard the USS Lexington. He was a member of Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church in Parkesburg.
Socker worked in Production Control at the former Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville for 30 years. After retirement, he worked part-time for Hershey Motors in Parkesburg and volunteered at the VA Hospice Unit where "No Veteran Dies Alone".
Besides Betsy, who he loved dearly, he is survived by his children, Ray (Heather) Young, Patti Gillen-Steen (Ray), granddaughter, Raylee Steen, and sister. Linda O'Gata. Socker was preceded in death by sons, John D. Gillen and Kevin J. Gillen, brother George M.B. Gillen, sisters Ann Wills and Patricia Montgomery.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. from the Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, 1121 Octorara Trail, Parkesburg, with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Friendship Methodist Cemetery in Gum Tree, Highland Township. Memorial donations can be sent to Kacie's Cause at https://kaciescause.org/support-us/, or mailed to Kacie’s Cause, PO Box 333, Kennett Square, PA 19348.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg, PA.
Online condolences may be respectfully posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
Sending prayers and love to
Sending prayers and love to your family
Will miss him. Love to the
Will miss him. Love to the family
Condolences
Very sorry to hear of Soccer's passing. We worked together in Production and Control at Lukens Steel for many years on the West-Side. He graduated High School with my brother, so I knew Soccer as a young boy. He was always a good influence on me. Prayer go out to the family during these difficult times.
Soccer " Great Guy"
So Sorry Betsy and family. We had so many great memories with Soccer, Weddings, parties and just coming to our events. He was always the life of our parties and cared about all there having a great time. One of my all-time favorite guys when we played. Just so much fun. Been awhile since I have seen Soccer, but the memories he gave myself and my brother will be with us forever. Rest in peace my friend, Ill be partying with you again. Thanks for your service. Ken Leslie. Brothers II
Socker
My Spelling went south. But my meaning is spot on. Socker thanks for the memories!
With sympathy
So very sorry, Betsy, to hear about Socker. We all go way back with many fond memories. I’m sure he is gleefully holding court in Heaven with his sons, Pat, and the rest of the family. With sympathy and love, Susie
Dear Betsy & family, We are
Dear Betsy & family, We are so sad & sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Socker….At a time like this, words seem to fail…,,We have some great memories of what fun Socker always was, May he RIP, with heartfelt sympathy & love ❤️
The Ziegler’s
Zig & Debbie
Betsy, our deepest
Betsy, our deepest condolences. Socker was the best of the best. I have way too many memories that will stay with me forever. We loved him to the moon and beyond. Your cousins, Joy and Chuck Baumblatt and family.
Dear Betsy,
Dear Betsy,
Soccer was a great guy—oh the many Soccer stories we have——he will definitely be missed.
Betsy you took such great care of him, and we know how much he depended on you. Our hearts and Prayers are with you and your family.
The Hershey Family
Condolences
Sincerest sympathy for his family and friends. I'm very sad to hear of his passing. I was always very fond of Uncle Soccer.
Deepest sympathy.
Many memories from years ago and so sorry we hadn’t seen him more recently.
Condolences
Betsy,
Bob and I are so very sorry to hear of Socker's passing. We have so many fun memories of our summers in Margate. We will be away and are not be able to attend his services. Please know you and your family are in our prayers.
Betsy, We are so very sorry
Betsy, We are so very sorry to hear about Soccer's passing. He was such a great person and always made us laugh, He always showed people kindness and caring. He held a very special place in my family's heart. Our love and prayers to you Kandie & John Esterl and family
Socker
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of socker, Betsy. He was such a fun spirit who filled many of our days with joy. He will certainly be missed and we will be sure to honor his memory at the next veterans breakfast.
If you need anything, you know where to find us.
- jess, Rick, and the coffee cup
Scoccer
Betsy,
I'm sorry to see this. Breaks my heart for you. The few times that I met him he always had a huge welcoming smile. Please know that you're in my heart and prayers.
Socker
I couldn't edit the original post. Socker;s name needs to be corrected.
Socker
Betsy and family you have our deepest sympathy. I worked with Socker for many years at Lukens and you and Patty worked together and we became good friends. He will be missed. You and your family are in our prayers
Socker
Treasure a huge hug from him last time in Coatesville Area. My deepest sympathy for all his immediate family.
Betsy,
Betsy,
Sorry to see Sockers passing.
His antics are legendary throughout Lukens and Coatesville!
MAC
John Gillen
Betsy, I was so sorry to learn of Socker's passing. I think back over the years since I met him at Lukens. He was always a friend. When I first met him, he was like someone I knew for a long time, and people just gravitated to him. He was fun loving but also was compassionate. He will be missed. "Missing someone with all your heart means you've loved someone with all your heart."
Sincerely,
Ginny Lozinski
John & Socker Gillen
I'll never forget good times spent visiting and having dinners with the Gillens and friends. Let your souls heal and rest a while beyond. o7