Thomas N. Gillich, 91, passed away peacefully in Bolivia, NC on November 23, 2023.

Son of Ellen and Nicholas Gillich, he was born November 28, 1931, in Elizabeth, NJ. He was raised in Elizabeth and attended Seton Hall University. He served his country in the Army for 2 years, stationed in Germany. He married Patricia McDermitt on December 27, 1958. They raised their family in Berkeley Heights (13 years) and Whitehouse Station (15 years).

A research chemist, he worked for ENCO Printing Products, Division of Hoechst Celanese Corporation, where he was the developer of many new products & processes that resulted in patents for the company.

Thomas was an avid and accomplished bowler, who was known as “The Professor” by those he bowled with in various leagues.

Once Thomas retired, they moved to Bath, PA. in 1994. He was an active parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Bath. He enjoyed working around the house and yard, keeping busy with home improvement projects. In 2021, they moved to Carolina Shores, NC to live with daughter Ellen and son in-law John.

He was predeceased by his parents, his 5 brothers (Nicholas, Joseph, David, John and James), 9 sisters (Anna O’Brien, Helen Orrell, Ethel Cameron, Mary Chamberlain, Catherine Gathman, Victoria Temple, Joan Pede, Margaret and Dorothy), and his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia (June 19, 2022).

He is survived by his children, daughter Ellen Itzel & husband John of NC, son Jerry & wife Thanh of PA, son Peter & wife Dawn of FL, son Frank & wife Michele of AZ, son David & wife Julie of CA, daughter Caroline of PA, grandchildren Candice, Megan, Jonathon, Colby, Jessica, Samantha and Braxton, great-granddaughter Aria and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be scheduled for the spring of 2024.