Obituary of David E. Gillins

David E Gillins was born on March 1st 1930 to the late Walter Gillins Sr and Eva Grant in Jersey City, NJ. He was the second child of three children. David’s mother instilled in him the importance of loving and worshipping the Lord and family. David was very protective of his family and would be the strong force behind many confrontations. The family had several nicknames for him such as; Uncle Jack, Mel, Poor Jack and Porky. When asked where did all the names came from, he would simply state “My Mother”.

Early on, David had an interest in serving our country and seeing the world. He had a dynamic, no non-sense personality and in 1948 at the age of 18 he decided to join the United States Army and was sent to Fort Ord, California. While stationed in California, he married Willa booker. Willa would later die in 1965. David eventually met and married the love of his life Atsuko Thompson in California and they would remain married for over 20 years until her death in 1994.

David did indeed travel the world. He was able to visit many countries such as; Japan, Germany, France and participated in two wars; Korean and Vietnam. While in the military, he received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal and became a paratrooper. David excelled in the military and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before retiring after 20 years in 1968.

David missed his family and friends and after retiring from the Military, David and Atsuko decided to move back to the east coast. They would later settle into the little town of East Orange NJ where they would remain long time residents. David found employment with the United States Post office and worked as a truck driver until he retired after 17 years in 1988. Though David and Atsuko never had children, they were very close to their nieces, nephews and cousins and became extended parents.

David was a faithful member of the St James AME church in Newark, NJ and he was an avid fisherman. He purchased a boat and would always invite family and friends to go fishing with him. Both church and fishing would bring him tremendous joy.

David’s Lodge affiliations were important to him as well. While in California, he became a Mason of Fremont Lodge No 13 and in New Jersey, a member of the American Legion Post No 152.

David will be remembered for his warm smile, engaging personality and zest for life. He often made you laugh and reminded you of wonderful memories that impacted your life.

David is predeceased by his brother Walter Gillins and sister Lillian Blythe.

David leaves to cherish his memory, Nieces; Pamela Jett (Kevin), Deborah Mays, Mary Delores Kirton, Kathryn Blythe, Nephews; Anthony Charles Gillins (Sabra), Walter Ernest Gillins (Gillian), Jerry Gillins (Lindear), and a host of great nieces, great great nieces, great nephews, great great nephews, cousins  and friends.