Richard Homer Gillen

Richard Homer Gillen, age 80, lifelong resident of Swanton, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his home, Saturday morning, January 20, 2024, while in the constant care of his beloved wife, Helen. Richard was born September 1, 1943 to Victor and Meredith (Kline) Gillen, in the very same house where he resided his entire life. Richard was a 1961 graduate of St. Mary’s High School, where he played baseball and was a starter on the basketball team. He obtained his Associate’s Degree from Stautzenberger College. He started his 38-year career with Surface Combustion, working as a draftsman and moving his way up to design engineer, retiring in 2001. In 1963, Richard took over operating the family farm, which included raising cattle and grain operations.

A devout Catholic, Richard was a lifetime parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Parish in Assumption. As a parishioner, he served 20 years on the St. Mary’s Credit Union Board. He and his wife Helen loved traveling and taking cruises to warmer climates, including Hawaii, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Belize and Costa Rica. Richard enjoyed watching college basketball, especially “March Madness”. In the 80’s, he and Helen were 4-H advisors for the Evergreen Exhibitors 4-H club, which led to their family being featured in the Farmland News article “Fulton County 4-H Farm Family”. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and being a grandpa. He spent much of his spare time going to his children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Richard will be remembered for his “candy stash”. His grandkids knew where to find a snicker bar or a handful of nuts to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Richard will be greatly missed by his loving wife of almost 60 years, Helen, his son, Ron (Mary Jo Graves) Gillen; their children, Elizabeth Gillen, Christy (Kevin) Lumbrezer, Megan, Michael, Joseph and John Gillen; great-grandchildren, James, Daniel and Mary Beth Lumbrezer; his daughter Annette (Rob) Snyder; their children, Helena (Julio) Diaz, Jacob (Jeanie), Catherine, Mark, Luke and Dominic Snyder; great-granddaughter, Rosalie Snyder; his son, Doug (Ellen) Gillen; his daughter, Sue (Paul) Martin; their children, Amanda and Caroline Martin; his sister, Margaret Napierala; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Menard and Melvin Gillen and sister, Mary Carolyn Natter.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 24th from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora. Visitation will continue Thursday, January 25th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am, with Fr. Walter Tuscano presiding. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Assumption.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church.