Bob Gill built many prominent homes and businesses in Ocean City including TD Bank on 9th Street, PNC Bank on 9th St., the Masonic Lodge on 10th Street and more than 1,000 homes in Ocean City and the surrounding area.
Robert A. Gill, 92, of Ocean City, NJ passed away Thursday, August 8, 2014 at his home.
Born in Moorestown, NJ Bob moved to Ocean City with his wife, Josephine after mustering out of the Army in 1946. Worked as a carpenter with H.C. Pontiere & Co. and became a partner in 1956. Married Josephine in January 1943. Graduate of Moorestown High School class of 1940.
Member of the Ocean City Masonic Lodge No. 171 Free and Accepted Masons, Valley of Central Jersey of the Scottish Rite, Shriners, Ocean City Exchange Club, Ocean City Yacht Club, OC Marlin and Tuna Club, Coast Guard Auxiliary, VFW Ferguson Foglio Post No. 6650. Served as a commissioner for Ocean City Housing Authority in the 1960s and 1970s. Co-founded the first Coastal State Bank in 1971 and served as president and board member. Co-founded and served as vice chairman and board member of the second Coastal Bank in 1988. President of Robert A. Gill Construction Company, Inc. until his retirement in 1975.
Was one of the founding partners of Pleasure Marina at Seventh Street and Pleasure Avenue in Ocean City. Served on various other boards, including the Ocean City Building and Loan Association. Also served as the supervisor of construction for various family businesses, including Dockside Cafe and Marina, Island Beach Gear and TackleDirect until the age of 89 when, due to failing health, he could no longer work.
Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Josephine (nee Thomas) Gill, his daughter Suzan LaRosa (John), son, Thomas Gill (Beverley), grandchildren, Mary Ellen LaRosa, Rachel Illari (Jason), Patrick Gill, and Leigh Ann Metzler, and great-grandson, Daniel Illari. Bob is also survived by his sister, Doris Blyler of Moorestown, NJ and, many nieces and nephews from the Moorestown, NJ and Wilmington, DE areas. He is predeceased by his parents, Roy and Hazel Gill of Moorestown, NJ.
Friends may call Wednesday morning from 9:30 until 11 o'clock at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 30th Street at Bay Avenue, Ocean City, NJ where a Masonic Funeral Service will be offered at 10 o'clock followed by Burial Office and Requiem Eucharist at 11 o'clock. Burial will follow in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo, NJ. The family suggests those who desire send memorial contributions to either Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Endowment Fund or Ocean City Marlin and Tuna Club. Flowers, condolences, information www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.
