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The world lost one of the kindest giving gentlemen when Fred Gillis died from a stroke on August 2, 2022. Fred was poolside at happy hour listening and singing to music at his residence, The San Clemente Villas By The Sea.
Fred was son to Andrew and Hilma (both deceased) and a brother to Bob and Ruth Pucciarelli (both deceased). He was son-in-law to Louis and Lillian (both deceased) in a loving father to Amanda (deceased) and Matthew. He was a proud granddad to Anna Gillis, Eli Gillis and Lauren Earl and a great grandparent to Morgan Earl.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Goodheart), his son Matthew, and his grandchildren.
Fred was born in Fitchburg, Mass. and grew up in a nearby town of Ashby.
He is an alum of Notre Dame high school, Fitchburg State College, and the University of Connecticut.
For his basketball skills, Fred was known as “The Great One” at Fitchburg state. In 2010, he was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame as an all time leader in points and rebounds. He was a dominant player of his era.
Following graduation at Fitchburg State, Fred continued his studies, earning a masters in education and later a PhD. In counseling psychology from UCONN. Moving his family to Las Vegas in 1971, he served as a partner and practicing psychologist for nearly 2 decades, specializing in drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation and child and family therapy.
Loving kids came easy for Fred. After practicing clinical psychology in the 70s and 80s, he found a Homeless Youth Shelter called the Center for Independent Living. He and Nancy manage the center for many years striving to turn around the lives of trouble kids. Dr. Gillis was loved by all the youth.
After years of round-the-clock responsibilities associated with running the facility, Fred and Nancy wanted to spend more time with their three grandchildren and on the course. Fred had also been caring for his ailing mother-in-law, Lillian Goodheart, who had Alzheimer’s. Like with others, friend was more than amazing with her, treating Lillian like she was his own mother.
In 2005 following the loss of his daughter Amanda, Fred and Nancy established the Amanda Gillis foundation to provide educational scholarships for homeless youth. For his charitable efforts Fred and Nancy were recognized as the Las Vegas citizens of distinction in 2006 in later the Las Vegas chamber of commerce citizens of distinction in 2008.
Fred enjoyed his retirement playing golf with Nancy and friends, and frequently volunteered at the Center for independent Living. Fred would also travel to Southern California often to visit family, friends and follow his grandkid’s sporting events.
Fred spent his later retired years in San Clemente with his wife Nancy and close to his son, Matt and family. Fred lived a "Notebook" love story type of life dedicated, devoted, gentle and loving to his wife as she suffered from Alzheimer’s. He was a friend to all senior residents and staff at the SC Villas By The Sea. Always greeting with a radiant smile and positivity. He felt fortunate to be able to live there. Fred left on a high note enjoying a summer time of fun with his son, grandkids, great granddaughter, family friends and his pals at senior living. He also had the pleasure of seeing his wife fully recover from a mini stroke.
“Dr. Gillis” was a Great Mentor, Great Family Man, Great Friend “Freddie”, Great Husband, Great Father, Great Grandpa “Papa”.
“The Great One” left this world in a better place and will surely be missed. May his legacy live on in everyone that he has touched.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Frederick, please visit our plant a tree (https://tree-tc.tributestore.com/?oId=25643259&tag=&tn=FreeTreeTestFC&otv=&source=tco_description&mtph=1).
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