Born and raised in Pittstown, Pa., he and his late wife, Doris, had lived in Middlesex, for many years before retiring to Mountainhome, Pa., about 20 years ago.
Mr. Gilroy earned a bachelor of science degree from the Newark College of Engineering. He was retired from Bell Labs in Murray Hill, where he was employed as a chemical engineer for more than 30 years. Mr. Gilroy was politically involved and an active volunteer in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He had served as a councilman in Middlesex in the 1960s and was a member of the Democratic organization. He was a communicant of St. Bernadette's Church in Canadensis, Pa., and a volunteer with the Barrett Friendly Library. Extremely well-read and knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects, he was known for his great sense of humor and intellectual curiosity. He was a member of a scientific team that worked on the restoration of the Statue of Liberty torch.
He enjoyed playing cards with friends, betting the horses, folk music and puzzles. Mr. Gilroy had a large circle of friends with whom he enjoyed socializing and was well-liked by everyone.
Surviving are three daughters, Kathy Healey and her husband, Joe, of Manville, Anne Zavalick and her husband, Charlie, of Middlesex, and Liz Schnabel of Bound Brook; a son, Bill Gilroy and his wife, Lisa Duffala, of Issaquah, Wash.; three grandchildren; and his beloved cat, Seesehill.
Visitation will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at the Bolock Funeral Home, Routes 940 and 390, Paradise Valley, Pa. A Mass will be offered 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bernadette's Church in Canadensis, Pa., followed by 1:15 p.m. burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.
Asbury Park Press - November 20, 2007