Phil Gillis

Philip G. Gillis (Phil), 68 of Denver, CO passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025.

He was formerly from Ridgewood Queens, NY. He was a 1974 graduate of Grover Cleveland HS and attended CCNY. His main focus was in the audio visual and acting department and Community Theater.

Phil started his 40-year career in Telecommunications by working for NY Tell in the Phone Center Stores and worked his way up the ranks and followed the various split-offs of AT&T, Lucent and eventually retiring from Avaya in 2022. He was a business systems Engineer and worked as a troubleshooter for all kinds of problems people had with their business phone systems. 

But Phil’s true love was to write a comedy play. He belonged to Actors/Writers Group for many years hoping to do just that. He was known for his wit and sense of humor. He had a joke to fit just about any occasion, some were very funny and others were true groaners…but they all were how Phil was known best! 

Phil married Maryfrances Alaimo on January 7, 1984 in Ridgewood Queens, NY at St. Brigid Catholic Church where they had met doing the Passion of Christ play - on a snowy, cold, windy day. They were the love of each other’s lives, married 40 years. They were blessed with family and friends choosing them as Godparents 13 times, through Baptisms, Holy Communions, Confirmations and also 2 adults through RCIA. In 1994 after 12 years of working for AT&T, Phil got a promotion and transfer to Denver, CO. Phil and Maryfrances moved from NY to Denver, bought a house, settled in and called Colorado their home.

Phil & Maryfrances became active in their Colorado community and at their church just like they were in NY. This led Phil to join the Knights of Columbus and Maryfrances to join the Ladies Auxiliary. Phil was so proud to be a Grand Knight and then to be a Faithful Navigator and loved being part of the Honor Guard in full Regalia! One of Phil’s places to shine was when he was asked to be in charge of Membership Recruitment. Phil loved to talk about why a young man should be a Knight and always talked about how it deepened his faith and made him a better person. He also enjoyed playing Santa Claus for the annual Christmas party. He made his first suit himself and then purchased 2 new ones to be more professional. He would wear special glasses and use an Irish brogue to disguise his voice so the kids wouldn’t recognize him. Phil also had a very soft spot for animals especially for cats and ferrets. 

Phil spent the last 2 years of his life in/out of hospitals and eventually in a nursing home on hospice care. He had diabetes, prostate cancer, several mini strokes that stole his memory and ambition and had kidney failure that required him to have dialysis. God was so good to us that Phil never had any pain, wasn’t a complainer and throughout his journey maintained his faith and the ability to pray. 

Phil was predeceased by his parents; Philip T, Gillis and Wallie (Spinner) Gillis and Mother-in-law Patricia Alaimo (Yes, they really loved each other!) 

Phil is survived by his broken-hearted wife Maryfrances (Alaimo) Gillis, His Siblings: Karen & Dave Hauck, Joanne & Rich Benner, Cindy & Rich Coker

Maryfrances’s Siblings: Chuck Alaimo, Patrick & Ali Alaimo, Will & Sondra Alaimo, His Uncle Al & Aunt Shirley Spinner, Nieces/Nephews: Deb, Vic, Jen, Tommy, Kasey, Megan, Rachael, Elyssa, Ken, Stephanie, Kevin, Chris, Melissa, Danielle, Caitlin, Patrick, Katie, Eric, Great Nieces/Great Nephews: Vinny, Hayley, Ryan, Tony, Gabe, Arabella, JoJo, Theo, Sophia, Charlie and Great-Great Nieces/Nephew: Richie, Ryley, Harper

Phil leaves behind family and friends that will truly miss him and his spirituality, kindness, love, creativity, wit, jokes, wry sense of humor, helpfulness generosity, love of children, animals and nature!

May God rest his soul and may he rest in eternal peace!

Funeral Arrangements For Phil:

 Queen of Peace Parish 

13120 E. Kentucky Ave

Aurora, Colorado 80012

January 17,2025 10:00 AM 

Reception to Follow 

Knights of Columbus Hall

13645 E Bayaud Ave 

Aurora, Colorado 80012

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS

ALL DONATIONS PLEASE

TO Knights of Columbus 10122

13645 E Bayaud Ave 

Aurora, Co 80012