Dennis F. Gillen

Dennis passed peacefully on Friday March 3, 2023 at the age of 75. Loving husband of Bernadette (nee Chalmers). Beloved father of sons Dennis Gillen (Megan), Brian Gillen (Trish) and daughter Bernadette. Proud and adored Pop-Pop of Kaleigh, Casey, Patrick, Gunnar, Paige, Kellie, Colin, and Shane who were the light of his life. Dear brother of John Gillen and the late Donald Gillen, Edmond Gillen, and Ann Fieger. Cherished brother-in-law and beloved uncle survived by many loved nieces & nephews, and grand-dogs Buddy, as well as the late Sheba and Gill.

Dennis was a Saint John Neumann High School graduate, 6-year Army Veteran, unwavering Labor Union Democrat, and proud retiree of Philadelphia’s Local 690 Plumbers Union. His reputation within Local 690 was one of high integrity, strong work ethic, and loyal brotherhood. He was so proud to have his son Brian, nephew Eddie, and most recently grandson Patrick, all continue to represent the Gillen family within the Local.

For most of his life he turned wrenches by day and sang Doo Wop by night. He was proud to be born and raised in South Philly and even more proud to have raised his own family in the Lawndale section of the Northeast.

Crooning was his passion and he always gave the Doo Wop community everything he had with every verse he sang. He was so proud to sing lead for several groups including The BelAirs and most notably, Rick & The Masters. Teenage sweetheart, best friend, and trophy wife of 53 years, Bernadette, for whom he loved more deeply than anyone on earth, was his #1 fan. He loved all his fans, and they reciprocated that love in return! He founded the Philadelphia Doo Wop Festival in 2007 which continues today with Dennis’s vision as a 100% charitable event thanks to the generosity of its committee members and entertainers.

Dennis was an avid golfer and a slick card player who enjoyed good banter.

Dennis was a great storyteller but an even better listener. He was everybody’s go-to for sound guidance and levelheaded advice.

Dennis‘s proudest achievement came in 1985 when he beat John McGovern in the men’s singles club championship at the Abby Racquetball Club. That achievement stood the test of time until all his proudest moments took a back seat to the births of his 8 grandchildren for whom he was most proud. They are his legacy and reason for his full heart!

A celebration of Dennis’s life is planned for Friday March 31, 2023, at the Plumbers Union Local 690 Waterfall Room 2791 Southampton Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19154.  The family will receive friends and relatives from 3-4 PM.  There will be a short service to begin at 4 PM with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a contribution in Dennis’s memory be made to Kevin From Heaven, PO Box 436, Abington, PA 19001 (kevinfromheaven.org).