Frank Gilly

Frank J. Gilly, 88, died Sunday, December 29, 2013, at home in Bound Brook. Born February 5, 1925, in New York City, he was the son of Frank and Anna Mikovits Gilly. He was a lifelong Bound Brook resident. He graduated from Bound Brook High School, Class of 1944. He then enlisted in the Army Air Force during World War II. He became a pilot instructor, flying bombers and P-51 Mustang fighters. He transferred to the US Air Force Reserve after the war, retiring in 1985, as a Major. Frank learned the electrical trade from his father, taking a job at Volco Brass & Copper Co., Kenilworth. Starting as an electrician, he rose to Plant Manager. In 1964, he founded Gilly's Maintenance Service, Bound Brook, building the business to over 100 employees. In 1976 he opened Gilly's Hardware Store, Bound Brook, selling it upon his retirement in 1995. Frank was a member of Lodge No. 988, Loyal Order of the Moose, Bound Brook Lodge No. 1388, B.P.O. Elks, and Giles-Biondi Post No. 63, American Legion, Bound Brook. He was a founding member of the Bound Brook Seniors Club, serving for many years as President. He was a Communicant and Usher at St. Mary's Church, Bound Brook. Frank served as a member of the Bound Brook Borough Council, the Bound Brook Planning Board, the Bound Brook Zoning Board, the Bound Brook Recreation Commission, and as Chairman of the Bound Brook Board of Health. He served as Mayor of the borough from 1996 - 1999. He enjoyed vegetable gardening and traveling with the Bound Brook Seniors. He was a loving Pop. Frank was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Gilly, who died last year, and his sister, Frieda Hamilton. He is survived by his children, Phyllis (Larry) Bugal of Bound Brook, Gail (Michael) Monaghan of Bound Brook, his son, Dr. Frank J. Gilly, Jr., of Washington, and his three beloved grandchildren, Larry (Jessica Ketrow) Bugal, Melanie (David) Medina, and Veronica Monaghan. Funeral services will be 9:00 A.M. Thursday, January 2, 2014, at Hagan - Chamberlain Funeral Home, 225 Mountain Ave., Bound Brook, followed by a 9:30 A.M. Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church. Interment will be at Resurrection Burial Park, Piscataway. Friends will be received at the funeral home 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Twin Boros Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 444, Bound Brook, NJ 08805.