Neil A. Gilley, 68, of Stafford, beloved husband of Linda (Gallagher) Gilley for 36 years, passed away at home Monday, Oct. 28, 2019. The son of the late LaVoy and Janet (St. James) Gilley, Neil was born in Holyoke, MA and raised in Chicopee, MA, graduating from Chicopee High School class of '69. He later attended Holyoke Community College studying Computer Science. He was formerly employed by Middlesex Healthcare in Middletown, CT, retiring after almost 30 years as Senior Unix Systems Administrator. Neil loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, both salt and freshwater. It brought him great joy to teach others, especially children, the sport of fishing. He was a state of CT Certified Fishing Instructor who volunteered much of his time with the CARE (CT Aquatic Resources Education) program for 5 years. He was also a member of the Stafford Fish & Game Club. He loved travelling with Linda throughout the country, most recently completing a cross-country trip, visiting a multitude of beautiful places in America and reconnecting with his much loved extended family.
Besides his wife Linda, he is survived by his brother-in-law Thomas Gallagher, his wife Laura and their daughters, Cailin and Emma of New Hudson, MI, a sister Joyce Razo and her husband David of Hutchinson, KS, three brothers, Dale "Butch" Gilley and his wife Edith of Walnut Grove, MO, Don Gilley and his wife Darlene of Wales, MA, Bart Gilley and his wife Nancy of Wales, MA, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as many good friends. Visitation hours will be held Friday, Nov. 1, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. immediately followed by shared reflections of Neil, at Somers Funeral Home, 354 Main St., Somers. Burial is private. Donations in Neil's memory may be made to the Neil Gilley Memorial Fund, c/o Tom Bourret of (CARE), 364 Rt. 80, Killingworth, CT 06419. To leave online condolences, please visit www.Somersfuneralhome.com