Michael T. Gillan

Michael T. Gillan, 76, of Yonkers, NY passed away on Friday, May 27, 2022. He was born and raised on Manhattan’s West Side, and attended Sacred Heart Elementary School (where he was also an alter server), Regis High School, and Fordham University. It was at Fordham that Michael met the love of his life, Paula - a student in the first class of women admitted to Fordham’s Thomas More College. They married in 1969, and began a beautiful life together.

Michael earned his PhD from Fordham University, and spent the early years of his career in higher education administration at Long Island University. In 1988, he was named Dean of the undergraduate evening college at his alma mater, where he directed undergraduate adult education for three campuses. He retired from Fordham in 2014 as Associate Vice President of the Westchester campus, a position he assumed in 2009. During Michael’s career at Fordham, he was passionate about FordhamVets, an initiative he founded facilitating the integration of American soldiers back into the higher education system upon returning from their military assignments. A proud public servant, he felt privileged to be appointed to the Yonkers Planning Board, and was a member of the Annunciation-Our Lady of Fatima Parish Council in Yonkers/Scarsdale.

Despite his many avocations and responsibilities, the accomplishment he valued most was his family. He and Paula were very happily married for 53 years, and raised their daughters, Michelle and Kristina, in Eastchester. Michael was a man of patience, kindness, generosity, and humor, qualities that were evident to everyone he met. Papa to Reece, Emily, and James, he was the first to jump at an opportunity to spend time with them, even during the past three years while undergoing treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He instilled his love for the Jersey Shore and the NY Giants in them, and taking them to either brought him great pleasure.

Michael is predeceased by his mother, Mary B. Gillan, and grandmother, Margaret Moore.
He is survived by his adoring wife Paula and loving children Kristina Bach (Walter) and Michelle Larkin (Tim), both of Yonkers, grandchildren Reece, Emily, and James, and countless cousins, colleagues, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family greatly appreciates donations to the charities Michael held close to his heart:

Elizabeth Seton Children’s Foundation
https://setonchildrens.org/donate-now/

Feeding Westchester
https://feedingwestchester.org/?form=donate

AES Crestwood Foundation (supporting the elementary school attended by his grandchildren)
https://the-aes-crestwood-foundation-inc.square.site/