Cecil Paul Gillen

Calling Hours: Sunday, February 19th from 2 to 8 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m.

Cecil Paul Gillen, age 91, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012, at Swanton Health Care Center. Cecil was born in Swanton, Ohio, to Romanus James and Rosa Anna Gillen. He married Rita Ann Schetter on July 10, 1943, at Gesu Catholic Church, Toledo.

He farmed for 9 years in Swanton and then worked for over 30 years at The Andersons in Maumee in the grain division. Many of his coworkers will recall the three-wheel scooter he built to drive the short trip to work. Cecil loved to work in his garage modifying and improving appliances, motor vehicles, lawnmowers, and anything mechanical, leading to him being called “The Man with a Better Idea”.

He and Rita traveled throughout all fifty states, Nova Scotia, Canada, Santo Domingo and several European countries. His children fondly recall their annual camping and fishing trips with their dad. Family, friends and caregivers will chuckle when remembering his scrunchy faces, scratchy beard kisses, cane pokes and his tradition of sticking Christmas bows to the top of his head.

He was a longtime member of St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Swanton and was a member of the Catholic Knights of Ohio.

Cecil is survived by his wife, Rita; sons Ronald (Elaine), Gerald, Charles (Janet), Lawrence (Candace), John (Charlotte); daughters, Janice (Dennis) Grose, and Patricia (Kenneth) McCabe. Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law, Dorothy Gillen. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald, and sister, Rita Valentine.

Family and friends will be received on Sunday, February 19, 2001 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton. Visitation will continue on Monday February 20th from 10 :00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Swanton followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Daniel P. Zak officiating. Interment will follow at St. Richard’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, or St. Richard’s Catholic Church.

Please click on photo below to view Memorial Tribute

Residence: Swanton, Ohio

Mass of Resurrection: Monday, February 20th at 11:00 am at St. Richard's Catholic Church

Interment: St. Richard's Cemetery