The death has occurred of:
John (Johnny) GILLEN
The family of the late John (Johnny) Gillen wish to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all those who extended their sympathy following our recent bereavement.
We are deeply grateful to our extended family, friends and neighbours who supported us; to those who attended the wake and the funeral, especially those who travelled a great distance; and to all who sent Mass cards and sympathy messages, posted online tributes, sent flowers, served refreshments at the wake, brought food, and helped in so many ways.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Alice McAleer and the entire staff at Sanville Nursing Home, and to the Southern Trust Acute Care Team, for the care, support and compassion shown to Johnny.
We are especially thankful to Fr. Eugene O’Neill for his spiritual guidance and for celebrating Johnny's Requiem Mass. We also wish to acknowledge Fr. Michael McKee SMA, Fr. Brian Slater, Fr. Gerard Tremer and Fr. John Gates for concelebrating the Mass, as well as the many other priests who offered prayers and comfort during the wake and funeral.
We sincerely thank Brackaville Owen Roes GFC and Stewartstown Harps GFC, along with the many members of the Armagh Diocesan Lourdes Committee, including Johnny’s fellow Brancardier, who provided guards of honour along the funeral route and at the church.
We extend our gratitude to all who took part in the Funeral Mass, especially Johnny’s four grandchildren, Ellen, Daniel, Rory and Lucy, whose participation would have made their Granda so proud. Our sincere appreciation also goes to Roisin McCurry and the choir for the beautiful music and singing, which added so much to the Mass. We are also grateful to Cyril Shields, the sacristan, and to Gary Harte, who prepared Johnny’s final resting place.
We wish to convey our profound appreciation to PJ and Patrick of P. Quinn & Son Funeral Directors for their compassion, kindness and the dignified manner in which all arrangements were carried out.
Our thanks also go to Paula Morris and the staff of The Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown, for the excellent catering and warm hospitality shown to us following the funeral.
As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgment will be accepted as a token of our sincere gratitude.
Johnny’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Monday, 18th August 2025, at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s & St. Joseph’s Church, Brackaville.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him.