We light a candle in remembrance and honor of J. Devitt Gillroy, who entered his eternal reward at the age of 80. He was born to the late Bernard and Marguerite (Devitt) Gillroy in Flushing, New York where he lived to young adulthood. He was a resident of Middletown for 42 years.
A staunch patriot, Dev served our country during the Vietnam War in the United States Navy. Here his constructive and engineering talents were rendered in the Seabee Mobile Construction Battalion MCB8. A strong supporter of this brotherhood and naval unit, Dev maintained interest and friendship from those days gone by, participating in the local United States Navy Seabees Veterans of America Island XI unit.
Dev earned his engineering degree from Pratt Institute in New York City. He worked as a construction manager for Torcon in Red Bank for many years. The ultimate tinkerer, he was a “jack of all trades.” No construction puzzle or problem was too big a challenge. He enjoyed leather work and restoring cars.
A student of Irish culture and history, Dev traversed Ireland many times. Whether exploring other countries or states, he was equally at home at Ship Ahoy Beach Club. But more than anything else, Dev’s most precious time was spent with his family and friends. A man of kindness and compassion, he stood with bravery during his recent medical struggles.
His spirit and love live on through his wife of 47 years Laura (Carroll) Gillroy, his son Devitt and wife Erin, and his grandchildren, Alana, Maeve and Brady, his three blessings.
Devitt was predeceased by his sister Marguerite Gillroy.
A wake was held Dec. 29 at The John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Dec. 30 at St. James RC Church in Red Bank with interment following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Devitt’s name to: Alzheimer’s New Jersey, Attn: Development Dept., 425 Eagle Rock Ave., #203, Roseland, NJ 07068 and/or Red Bank Catholic High School, 112 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701.
Please visit Devitt’s memorial website at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the January 7 – 13, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
