William V. Gillis

William V. Gillis, 83, of Murrysville, devoted husband and father, and member of the pioneering Gillis family of Murrysville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Martha Gillis, and is survived by his loving wife of over 60 years Jean; his sons, Scott (Lauren) and Brett; grandsons, Jason and Heath; a brother, James (Carolyn); a sister, Melodee (Larry), and extended relatives.

The Gillis family settled in Murrysville shortly after the Haymaker family discovered natural gas in the area. Part of the Gillis Farm later became the site of the Heather Highlands housing plan. Industrious from a young age, Bill huckstered vegetables from the family’s garden and sold Christmas trees in the winter as a kid. This was tough work, but it financed his entire college education. He was a graduate of Penn State University and remained a Penn State football fan for life.

He met the love of his life, Jean, in high school. They were married in 1965 and quickly departed for Germany where Bill served in the United States Army. After his military service, they took a grand tour of Europe that they both tremendously enjoyed and remembered for life. Returning to Pittsburgh, Bill started a 32-year career at US Steel, retiring in 1999 as payroll supervisor. After retiring, he enjoyed day trips with Jean, golfing and watching sports with Scott, attending historical events and antique shows where he collected antique postcards and photographs with Brett, spending time with his grandkids and simply relaxing. His family was his everything.

Visitation for Bill will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hart Funeral Home Inc., in Murrysville.  Parting Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at St. John Baptist de La Salle Church, Delmont, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Parish in Bill’s name.

For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William V. Gillis, please visit our floral store.