Harry J. Gille

Harry J. Gille

March 23, 1928 – March 6, 2022 (age 93)

Harry J. Gille was born on March 23, 1928, in Quincy, Illinois to Harry Edward Gille and Gladys Mester Gille. He graduated from Quincy High School in 1944, then attended the University of Illinois, where he received various degrees including a Master of Music. He started his career as the Director of Music at a small high school in northern Illinois.

 In 1952, Harry enlisted in the United States Air Force, while the country was involved in the Korean and Cold Wars. He was assigned to the USAF Security Service and was sent to Syracuse University to learn Russian. While there he played in the Syracuse University Symphony and was named a student director of the Syracuse University Chorus. After returning to USAFSS headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, he was assigned to help prepare new enlistees for assignments overseas. He found time at night to get involved with many musical activities – the San Antonio Civic Orchestra, the San Angelo Symphony, and the San Antonio Opera Chorus.

During his last year in San Antonio, he served as organist and choir director of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. It was there that he met the love of his life, Barbara Jean Schuetze, who was a member of the church choir. They were married in 1956 and moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he and his brother, Gerald, took over their father’s mobile home business. Harry and Barbara had three children: Susan, David, and Patrick.

The family moved to Texas in 1967, and Harry went into the life insurance business. After moving to Hurst, he worked for Transport Life, Equities International Life, and then served as Personnel Manager for Croy-Hall Management Company in Fort Worth for 25 years, retiring at age 86.

Harry’s love of music continued throughout his life. He played clarinet with the Irving Symphony and later sang with the Arlington Choral Society for 12 years. He was the choir director at Hurst Christian Church.  He supported his children in their band activities and served as treasurer of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Band Boosters Club for many years.

 An avid golfer, Harry played as often as he could, but especially enjoyed the rounds played with his sons and grandsons. He was proud to have passed on his passion for the sport to them.

Harry and Barbara were active members of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Hurst since 1969.

Harry is survived by and will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 65 years, Barbara Gille; daughter Susan Gille Gillett (Nelson Plaza); sons, David (Carolyn) Gille and Patrick Gille (Sara Almengor); grandchildren, Brian (Regan) Gillett, John (Christine) Gillett, Matthew (Rachel) Gille, Justin (Sarah) Gille, Amy Gillett, Michelle (Ryan) McDermott, and Ryan Gille; and eleven great-grandchildren.