Peter J. Gillis

On March 16, 2024, the world lost a great man. Peter James Gillis, longtime Sarasota Florida resident, was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident. Peter was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts on July 14, 1958, the beloved youngest son of the late Bernie and Natalie Gillis. He graduated from Middletown High School in Middletown, CT in 1976. During his early years in Connecticut, he could be found on the baseball field or running around with his friends from Mile Lane. As he grew, his love affair with golf began at Edgewood Golf Course where he worked for then owners, the Pierson family, to transform the Edgewood course into the TPC it is today. He was particularly proud of the 17th hole, just one of the many sources of pride for Peter. After working for several years at Black Oxide in New Britain, CT, he moved to Sarasota Florida. There he built a full life of friends and friends-who-became-family, from Marina Jack’s to Patrick’s restaurant. Along the way he earned a captain’s license and ran the 87 foot Alicia from Key Largo north along the east coast. For many years, he was self-employed as a painter and even moved to Montana to be a fly-fishing guide. Eventually he found adventure as a driver for Stage Call Specialized Transportation where he traveled the country driving for Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and ultimately Eric Church. While Peter was a wanderer, he had a strong sense of home. He loved to travel to new places, try new golf courses, see old friends, make new ones, but he always found his way back to his people in Sarasota and his family in Connecticut. His golf game was prolific, especially if there was money involved, and he achieved 7 holes-in-one before his passing. He loved bone-fishing on Flat-Man-Due, and he was always making plans. Prior to retirement, after months on the road, he bought a sailboat preparing for his next adventure. He was a giving, boisterous friend with a great laugh, mischievous eyes, and a ready smile. He was loved by all who knew him. He leaves behind many who will mourn his absence. He is survived by his partner Linda Holland of Sarasota, his siblings Joseph Gillis of Roatan, Honduras, Janet and Michael Cartwright of Westbrook, CT, Bernie and Maureen Gillis of East Haddam, CT and Peggy and Louis Mastergeorge of Middletown, CT as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make time for your family and friends and toast to Peter. A celebration of life will be held at a date to be determined in the near future.

Tributes

Peter J. Gillis

July 14, 1958 - March 16, 2024