Dear friends and family of Michael Gill,
We regret to inform you that Michael has passed on and is now attending the grand music festival in the sky.
Michael was born on August 21, 1955 to Raymond and Gertrude Gill in Bayonne, New Jersey. Michael spent most of his childhood in Corning, New York, where he had many fond memories of attending school and causing trouble for the nuns and his mother who worked in the office.
Michael is preceded in death by his mother, father, son, Seamus Dean, and many other beloved family and friends. Michael is succeeded by his three daughters: Cassandra (Jason) Barend, Chevonne (Aaron) Ritter, and Chauna Gill, as well as his seven grandchildren: Tyler Gill, Makaya, Rylee and Aiden Barend, Grace Yager, and James and Mya Ritter.
Michael found his calling as a security guard, settling in at School of the Arts in Rochester, NY, where he worked tenaciously at inspiring kids to follow their dreams and be their all. Many to this day remember him fondly as Mr. Gill in the Box Office. He became a father figure to so many, treating each kid as his own, teaching them his ways of love and kindness.
After retirement, Michael was an enormous advocate for the unhoused inhabitants of Rochester, NY. He devoted the last years of his life helping give a voice to those who are usually ignored.
He was a man of many, many stories, ready to share them with anyone that would listen. He was Irish through and through. He was quick with a punch line and even quicker with a beer. Michael loved music and attended as many festivals as he could, gaining the beloved title, “Grateful Dad.”
One thing Michael will always be remembered for was his heart. He loved everyone. He never met a stranger, you were a friend before he even met you. He loved you before you could ever tell him your name.
He never had much, but would give you everything he had. He is the epitome of the woman who gave two shillings and was praised because it was all she had and she gave it gladly. This is his legacy that we hope everyone will carry on.
Michael will be celebrated with a “Grateful Dad Party” on June 16th at a park in Rochester, NY. Location and times TBD.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the many organizations Michael supported. Just to name a few:
A very kind soul . Thank you for being my friend ❤️
I knew Michael through the Music Community. He was a regular fixture and I often talked and caught up with him. I know him also for his tireless work with the Homeless.
He was a good soul. A Wonderful Human. He will be dearly missed. Rest in Paradise, Michael.
Sending love to all who cared about and knew him. He truly was one of the kindest. Grateful to have known him and sad for the loss. May he be laughing and enjoying his new plane of existence. NFA, Grateful Dad., until we all get together forever and ever… (~);}
Sorry I was too busy to maintain contact with you. Thank you for your unwavering support💞Enjoy your rest! See you later!!!💞
What a wonderful man Michael was I had only met him once but I can tell you he definitely left a mark on me and helped me look at things in a positive way
Rest peacefully in paradise Mike my heartfelt condolences go to his friends and family!!!
Michael, I felt like I was your best friend whenever we were together. You are so loved.
Thank you for your friendship, guidance and passion in loving on our community 🤟🏼
What a great example of humanity was he! Always the most warm and welcoming person with the biggest heart. I ran into him often at shows and I know the rider is missing him, now that he’s gone! Blessed to have met him.
What a mighty legacy of kindess grateful dad blessed us with! To all of his beloved family and all of us in the community that loved him so very much, my heart is with you all. May we all find ways to carry on this legacy of compassion and whole-heartedness…for everyone.
I just know he’s having one rager of a reunion right now, with all the rest of our local heroes gone before us….
Goodnight, grateful dad, love you!
Mike was truly a wonderful human being. I loved listening to his stories whenever we were together and I would jokingly refer to him as like a grandfather because of that. He did so much for the community and taught us all so much. He will be remembered so very fondly. It was an honor to know him. May his soul rest peacefully.
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there has been a trail of memories.” Thank you for being that shining light and kind example for us kids at the time ,we’ll carried your lessons and infections spirit with us . ( Nothing less then a smile it was to have you greet us every day at the box office this will stay with me for ever ) Rest Up Mr. Gill
I went to St. Vincents with Mike. I’m proud to see that he had a greater view of life beyond his own well being. There’s no better legacy that we can bestow.