Obituary of Philbert L. Gill , 93

Philbert L. Gill, 93, of New Haven, CT, formerly of State College, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2009 at the Hospital of Saint Raphael in New Haven, CT.

Born in State College on September 10, 1915, he was a son of the late Harry C. and Julia C. (Womer) Gill Sr.

On August 19, 1939 in State College, he was married to Maude A. (Gearhart) Gill, who preceded him in death on June 26, 1997. Phil was employed for 34 years and retired as a Postal Clerk at the State College Post Office. He was a 1934 graduate of the State College Area High School and had attended Penn State University.

Phil faithfully served our country in the United States Army of Occupation in Japan during World War II, obtaining the rank of Sargeant. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, The Army Occupation Medal, The Asiatic/Pacific Theater ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon.

Phil Gill unselfishly gave his time and energy to the State College community by serving as Santa Claus for many years and founding the Nittany Valley Little League in State College. He served for many years as a referee for football games and also as an umpire in baseball. In 1959, he was honored by having a local State College area baseball field named after him, 'Gill Field.' In 1976 he was chosen to serve as an umpire in the Little League World Series Championship Game. He was also honored in the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum in Williamsport, PA for his contributions to Little League in State College.

He was a member of the VFW Post 1600, Bellefonte Moose, State College Elks, the American Legion Post 245, where he served as a Past Commander, and was also the District Administrator for District #5 for the Little League Association. He had also previously attended and was a member of the Faith United Church of Christ in State College.

In 2001 he was presented with The Distinguished Alumni Award from the State College Area High School in recognition of his contributions to the community.

Surviving are one son, V. Michael Gill , his wife Joanne of New Haven, CT, Nine Grandchildren, Seventeen Great Grandchildren; one brother, Harry D. Gill; and one sister, Gertrude.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Philbert H. Gill and his sisters, Mary and Gladys and brother Harold A. Gill

Family will receive friends on Friday, August 28th, 2009 from 6pm to 8 pm at the Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College.

Funeral Services will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2009 from the funeral home, with the Reverend Dr. Diane Prosser officiating.

Entombment will be at Centre County Memorial Park.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Phil's memory to the Faith United Church of Christ, 300 E. College Avenue, State College, PA 16801.

A guestbook can be signed and condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.