GILLICE, FRANCIS P.

GILLICE, FRANCIS P., – 91, formerly of Seaville, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Born on the 4th of July, “Frank” was known for his disarming smile, quick wit and enduring sense of humor. He was raised in East Falls, Philadelphia by his mother Ellen Gillice, nee Cashman, who was widowed when Frank’s father was killed in an automobile accident. Frank had two brothers, Phil & Bud, and a sister, Huddy, all of whom are deceased. Frank enlisted in the US Navy and joined the Seabee division in the Pacific Theatre. Frank spent most of his time on Okinawa. Upon returning from active duty, he returned to East Falls, where he met the legendary, John B. Kelly. Frank went to work for Kelly as a water-boy and soon indentured into the bricklayers and allied craft workers. Upon finishing his apprenticeship, he became a Master Craftsman BAC Local 1 “Kelly for Brickwork”. He met Claire Patricia Rowan from Manayunk and they soon married. They shared 52 years together. 4 children: Frank Gillice Jr. of Swainton; Joseph Gillice (deceased 1990); Debi Jacobs (Tim) of El Cajon, CA; and Kathy Naughton (David) of Lansdale, PA. 4 grandchildren: Joe Gillice Jr. (Holly) of Cumming, GA; Bryan Barbagello of San Diego, CA; Aubre Naughton (Michael Sharkey & Lily Sharkey) of Abington, PA; and Brittani Gillice of Swainton. And two great-grandchildren: Sydney and William Gillice. In 1971, Frank moved his family to Sea Isle City, NJ. The casinos were on the rise, and his talent for installing marble, tile and granite was in demand. He often worked on jobs alongside his son, Frank Jr. who was also in the trade. BAC local 5 kept him busy until retiring at 62. Frank enjoyed playing golf at the Avalon Golf Club and also worked as a course marshal. Upon Claire’s death in 2002, Frank moved in with his daughter Kathy, Dave and Aubre in Seaville. Frank enjoyed fishing trips on the Delaware Bay with Dave. He spent winters in California with Debi, Tim and Bryan. Some memorable events were seeing Tiger Woods in the US Open with Bryan; antique car shows with Debi and Tim; visiting his favorite museum, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier; and a vacation to Sedona with his children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He was silly, always quick with a joke, and never got too hung up on the names of people or things. Sour cream and mayonnaise were both “white stuff”. Everyone who knew Frank, wanted to look out for him. Kathy’s friends would bring him lunch and stop by to chit chat or take him out for meals—he called them “the woman with the sandwiches” and “the dark haired one who talks a lot” and “the girl who rides the motorcycle”. Frank loved the Phillies—HIS Phillies when they were winning, THOSE Phillies when they were losing. Frank was a simple man, an honest man, a family man. A man with excellent work ethic. A dependable father, a kind and affectionate grandfather. He will be dearly missed, but we are grateful for the many years and laughs we shared together. Frank’s family would like to express our deepest gratitude for all of his compassionate health care workers. Especially his granddaughter, Brittani. Thank you to Brookdale of Cape May and Brookdale of Westampton and his hospice caregivers, Ibis and Mary. In the spring, Frank will be buried alongside his wife, Claire, in a private ceremony in the Cape May County Veteran’s Cemetery. Condolences at www.radzieta.com