Frank Gill

Frank Peter Gill passed away peacefully Monday morning, the 1st day of spring, at his home with members of his family.

Frank was born in Jefferson County, Arvada, Colorado on February 7th, 1925, to Edward and Marie Gill; the middle of seven children. Frank grew up in Arvada and later in Meriden, Connecticut. He joined the Navy in 1943 and served for two years and two months. He served his time on the Destroyer USS Eaton DD510 as an electrician mate 1st Class (EM1C) in the Pacific Theater of WWII.

Following the war, Frank met his wife-to-be, Margaret (Margie) Hennessey in Meriden, CT, at a dance. Soon after he asked her to move to Wichita, KS where he began work at the Boeing Facility in development engineering. They married on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, 1948. Eight years later, Frank moved the family with four boys to Denver, CO to work at the Glenn L Martin company (now Lockheed Martin) as an engineering technician/engineer for fourteen years. With three girls on the way, Frank was strongly encouraged (by Margie) to find suitable work to keep four growing boys busy. Frank elected to start a self-service carwash business. His G&S (Gill & Sons) carwash businesses grew to four, with a total of twenty-one bays at one time. Once the business flourished, Frank left Martin Marietta (name at that time) to focus solely on his carwash businesses.

Parallel to his working life, Frank's lifetime love of railroads was realized by building four model railroads in each of their four homes. Each one became increasingly larger, more complex, and beautiful. Frank was an expert regarding many railroads, steam locomotives, especially the Union Pacific, Rio Grande and many Colorado and Connecticut rail lines. Frank, with members of the family, rode many steam train excursions in Colorado and as far as the California coast.

Frank's fondness for rabbits did not go unnoticed either. Beautiful hutches were made with special enclosed yards for Dutch rabbits raised on and off for over 60 years.

Frank and Margaret attended St. Patrick’s church after moving the family to Denver in 1956 (later named Holy Name Catholic Parish). They have remained at the same parish for 67 years.

- Married for 74 Years -

Frank will always be remembered for his faith, family values, work ethics, and being a WWII veteran. Preceding Frank in death are his parents, siblings, and 2nd oldest son, Robert E. Gill (Sofia surviving).

Frank is survived by his wife Margaret (Margie) Gill of Denver, CO; sons Frank Gill Jr.(Judi) of Gulfport, MS, Tom Gill (Kathy) of Golden, CO, Richard Gill (JoAnn deceased) of Arvada, CO; daughters Peggy Wrabetz (Joe) of Littleton, CO, Susan Saltzgaber (Kirk) of Ft. Collins, CO, and Teresa Irick (Steve) of Highlands Ranch, CO. Frank has 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren + 2 in the womb, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

As a foot (locker) note: At the time when one of his shipmates passed, dad would say:

“Sailor – you’re going home and thank you for your service.”

Recitation of the Rosary will be at Holy Name Catholic Church on Thursday April 13th at 6pm

Interment will be at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Friday April 14th at 1:15pm

Frank’s family would like to thank the staff at Dignity Hospice of Colorado for the exceptional and compassionate care they provided. Holy Name Catholic Parish – Father Daniel, Deacon Don Schaefer, Father Juan, and the Marthas.