Herbert Joseph Gillis

Herb Gillis liked to tell friends that he thought if there were an 11th Commandment, it might be this: Be Joyful! Herb devoted his time and energy to spreading the positive message of God’s love to all people and to working toward the causes he believed in to protect life and the vulnerable.

Herb was born in Philadelphia on June 3, 1931, to Frances Furstein and Samuel Gillis, He grew up there, in a vibrant neighborhood with his beloved sister Leah and frequent visits from his many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He graduated with honors from Central High School in 1949. He was talented in math and science and studiously pursued these interests by earning a bachelor of arts in physics in 1953 from Temple University and a master of science in physics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1961. His master’s thesis was entitled, “A Stray Radiation Detector for the Electrostatic Particle Accelerator of the University of Pennsylvania."

Herb proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1956. He attended officer candidate school and became a lieutenant. He performed the duties of a division officer, an electronics officer, and an engineering officer. His children liked to hear his stories about his time serving on the aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Leyte.

In 1957, Herb met a lovely young woman with a kind disposition and happy heart at a dance, and they married in 1959. Joan Warr Gillis was his devoted wife for 62 years, up until his passing, and Herb knew his life was enriched and happier with her by his side. Their two children, Gail and Donna, were born in Philadelphia and raised in Bowie, Maryland, where Herb and Joan moved in 1967. Herb made sure his children knew that the happiest part of his life was spending time with family—by the ocean whenever possible.

Herb’s job experience included several years at the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) as an engineer, working in applied mathematics and computer programming. The highlight of his career was working as a mathematician for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. He was truly a rocket scientist, and his work included engineering and physics applications for satellites as well as advanced computer programming in the early stages of that field. In 1970, he wrote a book for NASA entitled, “A General Computer Data Processing System: Documentation of the ATS-5 Ground Station Magnetometer Program.” His work was a source of dedication and honor for him, and he kept copies of his book by his side even into his older age.

In 1973, Herb became a Catholic and spent the rest of his years exploring his faith, devoting time to many volunteer activities, and spreading the word of God. Even into his late 80s, he was particularly interested in how email and technology could be used to get messages to people and leaders. As his friends and many people in the area know, he was passionate about writing email missives to share God’s message and encourage action on social causes close to his heart. He always had a copy of the Our Daily Bread prayer booklet in his pocket, ready to give it to people who looked like they might need a hopeful message that day. He particularly encouraged friends and acquaintances to read one of his favorite devotional books, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

Herb went to be with the Lord on January 4, 2022, at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife Joan Gillis, daughters Gail Smith and Donna Gillis, nieces Debbie Holten and Karen Parker, and nephew Michael Sher and his wife Renee, and great-nephews Steven, Daniel, and Justin. Herb’s wife and daughters want to extend their gratitude and appreciation to his family and friends for their kindness and help, especially during Herb’s illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Pius X Parish at https://spxbowie.org/give.
In the online setup, please enter "St. Vincent DePaul Society/HOPE" in the notes section