George Francis Gill

George Francis Gill aged 94 of West Lebanon, NH passed away on April 2, 2021, at Woodlawn Care Center in Newport, NH.

George was predeceased by his wife Martha (Kauffman), his parents George Frank Gill and Florence (Underwood), and brother, Bobby. He is survived by his sons Jeffrey Allen (and Alison) of Wilmot NH and Michael Brian (and Jack) of Las Vegas NV and grandsons John Stephen of (Oakland CA) and Robert Brady of (Norwich, VT).

George was born in 1926 and raised in Cochranville, PA, joining the Navy straight out of high school, serving as a Seabee in Okinawa in World War II where he witnessed the surrender ceremony of the Ryukyu Islands on September 7, 1945. After his discharge, he married Martha and built his own family in the same town he grew up in.

George built on his father’s business of renovating and building homes and light commercial projects throughout Southeastern PA and the Tri-State area. During the last phase of his career he worked for DiSabatino Construction, Wilmington, DE, and Doutrich Homes, Paradise, Pa. In retirement, he continued to do custom woodwork part-time, finally taking a break at age 80. He enjoyed overseeing and consulting on building projects for family and friends.

George was a member of Skerrett Lodge 343 and volunteered as a Fire Engineer for the Cochranville Fire Company.

He and Martha hosted many parties for friends, family, and neighbors at their own home in PA, greatly enjoyed dancing with the Coatesville Dance Club, and chorale singing in their community, traveling frequently throughout all the United States, and keeping current on events in his hometown. Together they actively maintained lifelong friendships. They moved to Las Vegas in 2006 where they lived until Martha’s death in 2015. While in Las Vegas he met many celebrities including Wayne Newton and NASCAR executives and drivers. He started anew in New Hampshire at age 89, living in a “55 and older” community, in his own apartment until just the last few weeks before his death. He made new good and generous friends like Marge and Marv Alexander, and Bernadette Gonthier, continued his adventures like celebrating his 90th birthday at the Waldorf Astoria in NYC, riding the Mt Washington Cog Railroad, visiting Ben and Jerry’s, visiting his cousin George in Texas, and with his longtime friend Skip Doutrich. A lifelong Phillies fan, he traveled to see them play at Fenway Park. George flew to DC on a New England Honor Flight to the WWII Memorial and waited at the finish line of ultra-endurance races throughout Vermont and near Quebec to greet his grandson at the finish line with a cold can of root beer.

He will be remembered for always having a smile on his face, a positive attitude, and showing appreciation for everyone.

Burial services will be held at the Cochranville Methodist Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in George’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation are appreciated.
If you are having difficulties making a donation please contact the Wilde Funeral Home (610-857-5551). We would be happy to assist you in making a donation.