Francis "Frankie" Gillard

May 11, 1953 - September 15, 2025

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Obituary for Francis "Frankie" Gillard

Francis E. β€œFrankie” Gillard passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 15, 2025. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 11, 1953, to the late Elise (Forney) and John Dewese Gillard.

Frankie attended Libbey High School in Toledo and later studied Human Services and Psychology at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He worked as an Accounts Receivable Supervisor at Morrison Mahoney LLP from 1995 to 2002, and since 2017, he served as a Support Services for Veterans & Families Outreach Specialist and Case Manager at Project Place in Boston.

Frankie was an avid thrift store shopper with a remarkable eye for finding high-quality treasures. His smile and outgoing personality lit up every room, and he will be remembered for his generosity, humor, and dynamic spirit. He was also a vital member of STEPRox and Narcotics Anonymous, where he held many positions and helped countless people on their recovery journeys.

He is survived by his children Frank Garrett, Emile Robbins, Devin Graham, and Shani Kelly; his brother Clark Gillard; eleven grandchildren; and a host of extended relatives, friends, and community members. He is also remembered by his former wife, Joyce Hadley, with whom he shared many years of friendship and together raised their daughters, Shani and Devin. He was preceded in death by his brothers Steve, Darrell, and Brian Gillard.

Memorial Service will be held at Sorrel and Lime, 986 Blue Hill Avenue, DORCHESTER on Friday, October 3rd from 1-5PM. Relatives and friends invited. Interment Private.

Services

3 Oct

Memorial Service

01:00 PM - 05:00 PM

Sorrel and Lime 986 Blue Hill Avenue Dorchester, MA 02124 Get Directions Β»
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • October 05, 2025

    Robert W Wilson AKA BOBBY

    Frank always had encouraging words to say to me and the family of narcotics anonymous always with that smile of his of hope. I have that plaque with his covid mask under his chin that smile and thumbs. up. It is on my kitchen table and when I look at it gives me hope and courage for another day. God works through people and he is still working thfough your spirit. THUMBS UP FRANK.

  • October 04, 2025

    Donna Robinson-Agosto

    Hello FB, Family and loved ones of Frank... I want to say a few words about Frank and the friendship we shared... While going thru some challenges and stressful times in 1998 in met Dermouse Jones and Frank Gillard who I didn't know at the time would end up being two life long FRIENDS of mine, Frankie had a smile that would lite a room up, always offering good advice, very much a gentle man, such a great sense of humor and an all around just good person, definitely a FRIEND you could depend on... Not only a FRIEND to me but an uncle to my young son... In 2004 I was dealing with some overwhelming issues and was sick for a few months and during that time Frankie came by everyday to help me get lunch for my son, he would borrow my car " go to work πŸ˜‰πŸ˜‰ and/or whatever he had to do" come back after wards and help me get dinner for my son ... and this went on for a few months... I never asked Frank to help me but he was my FRIEND and he knew I was in desperate need of help.... That's the kind of FRIEND he was, that's just the kind of person Frank was... He was loving, kind, thoughtful, loved his family and spoke about them often.. Frankie will never be forgotten, we've gained a guardian angel πŸ˜‡.. There is so much more I can say about Frankie but we all know the type of person he was... Lastly my son who is 26 yrs now told me/reminded me that Frank was the one that gave him his first Play station and games.... Fly high my FRIEND, Fly high... May you rest peacefully in paradise, Fly high πŸ™πŸΎπŸŒΉπŸ«ΆπŸΎ... May God have mercy on your soul πŸ™πŸΎ

  • October 03, 2025

    Danny

    Frank man, damn, I just heard, I'm gon miss you brother It was about a year ago in summer we ran into each other after not seeing you for a while, I was so glad to see you! I remember you always had that big Frank smile. May Allah be pleased with you, and may His peace and mercy be upon you and yours! Rest in Power... Bro Danny aka Dapppa Dan

  • October 03, 2025

    John Bulliner

    Frankie rest in peace my thoughts and prayers go out to the family, my heart goes out to the family peace be still

  • October 03, 2025

    John Bulliner

    You will be missed my friend, rest in peace

  • October 02, 2025

    Jane Westgate

    You will always be in my heart. I loved you more than I can express. I loved your character and how you were always there for your daughter Devin. Until we meet again. Love, Jane