George J. Gillo, Sr. of Clymer, passed away from complications of surgery, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 2, 1933 in Alverda, PA, son of the late Maurice and Marie (Molar) Gillo.

George was a member of the Church of the Resurrection in Heilwood, a 1952 graduate of Pine Township High School and Blairsville Valetech Trade School. George was an avid devoted farmer. The love of the land was in his blood; it was his pride and joy, his life and his love. He started out with that little farm covered mostly by trees. He cleared the land and planted various crops.

Little by little George invested his earnings and bought three more farms. He passed the same single minded devotion and love of farming and examples of honesty and discipline on to his 2 sons and grandson as they worked together on the family farm, known as Gillo Farms. In his younger years George worked in his parent’s Grocery store in Alverda, which opened in 1921; but on June 29, 1924 a tornado blew Gillo’s store down. A new store was built in 1928 and was named Gillo Bros. Grocery Store. George worked there until he became old enough to own and operate the store with his brother Leno. He also started a custom butchering business, Gillo Meatpacking, and worked side by side with his wife and sons. He developed many friendships with his customers. His most proud and cherished accomplishment was his family. He will be remembered for his honesty, reliability, strong work ethic and devotion to his family. He has been an inspiration to everybody.

George is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Helen (Kutsick) Gillo; sons George (Melissa Emery) Gillo, Jr. of Washington, PA, Michael (Margie) Gillo, Sr. and Joseph Gillo, Sr. , both of Clymer and daughters Kathy Hawk of Clymer, and Janet (Dr. Thomas) Stein of Pittsburgh; brother Leno Gillo of Alverda, 13 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his son Maurice John Gillo in 1974; sisters, Della, Amelia and Alma; and brother, Aldo.

Friends received Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 4-8pm at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home in Clymer where Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, April 24, 2017. Interment will follow in St. Bernard Cemetery in Indiana. The family would like to offer a special thank you to Heritage Hospice.