Harry William Gilmore, 92, of Plainville, Massachusetts, formerly of Sharon, Massachusetts passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, September 11, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Mount Vernon, New York on June 24, 1928, he was the son of the late Harry and Mildred Grace (Devine) Gilmore. He spent his early years in Mount Vernon before moving to Boston, Massachusetts at the age of sixteen. Upon his arrival, Harry enrolled in the High School of Commerce, earning his diploma in 1946. During his high school career, Harry worked part time to help support his family selling newspapers on the street corner and delivering magazines to area hotels and private residences. In September of 1946, Harry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country during World War II. As a skilled typist, he was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, serving as a clerk, drafting discharge documents for returning Marines. He was honorably discharged in September of 1948, after earning the rank of corporal.
Following his discharge, Harry returned home to Boston, where, using the G.I. Bill, enrolled in Boston University, earning his bachelor's degree in sociology in 1952. His degree allowed him to take a position with the Lahey Clinic in Burlington, where he worked in the financial office, thus beginning his career in healthcare administration. After a short time with the Lahey Clinic, Harry traveled south of the city, taking a position at Norwood Hospital in the mid-1950s, working as a patient accounts clerk.
Harry married his beloved wife, Jane Lewis, on May 25, 1957, at Saint Michael's Church in her hometown of North Andover. The young couple spent a short time in both Walpole and Norwood before making their home together in Sharon, Massachusetts.
The 1960s brought Harry back to Boston, as he began his career with University Hospital, serving as the patient account manager. Harry was dedicated to his job at the hospital but the 1980s brought about winds of change in administration. Harry took this opportunity to branch out on his own, using his tremendous reputation to offer consulting services to various hospitals, including Saint Margaret's Hospital in Dorchester, Emerson Hospital in Concord, Glover Hospital in Needham, and returned to University Hospital for a short time. He retired in 1991 after many years of dedicated service to the hospitals he worked for and the patients he served.
As a young man growing up close to New York City, Harry developed a passion for Jazz Music. He was a regular at the jazz clubs in the city, quickly becoming a jazz aficionado. He also found a love for the New York Yankees, however, after settling in Boston, he quickly changed his support banner to that of the Red Sox. His love for New England Sports grew over the years and he looked forward to treating his family to a game at the Garden, Fenway, or Foxboro Stadium. While music and sports where two major themes in Harry's life, he never missed an opportunity to take in a show at a local theater with his wife, Jane.
Throughout his life, Harry was a dedicated family man. After losing his father at a young age, Harry always made sure his mother was well cared for and had the items she need to raise his younger brothers. Harry and Jane enjoyed a special and devoted relationship over the course of their sixty three years together. They looked forward to spending the summers months at their home away from home on Plum Island, where they spent countless hours on the beach and swimming in the ocean. As avid travelers, Harry and Jane enjoyed traveling throughout Europe, taking river cruises, and taking month long trips to both Alaska and Hawaii. Harry loved being a Dad and was always sure to make an appearance at his children sporting events and school functions. He looked forward to summer camping trips with his children. Harry was truly delighted upon receiving the title of grandfather and just as he did with his own children, he was a regular attendee of his grandchildren's athletic competitions and events.
Beloved husband of Jane L. (Lewis) Gilmore.
Loving father of Michael J. Gilmore and his wife, Ellen, of Enfield, Connecticut, Lisa G. McGuire and her husband, Sean, of Plainville, Patricia J. McGuire and her husband, Michael, of Wrentham, Kevin P. Gilmore of Englewood, Florida, and Brendan L. Gilmore of Freedom, Maine.
Father in law of Kelli Gilmore of Norton.
Cherished grandfather of John Gilmore of Enfield, Connecticut, Matthew Gilmore and his wife, Jessica, of Longmeadow, Brendan McGuire of Worcester, Maille McGuire of Plainville, Joseph McGuire of Wrentham, Erin McGuire of Boulder, Colorado, Abigail Grant and her husband, Ben, of Norton, Alexandra Wilson and her husband, Mark, of Syracuse, New York, and Olivia Gilmore of Norton, and great grandfather of Nicholas, Austin, Addison, Gianna, and Melania.
Brother of the late Russell Gilmore and the late Francis Gilmore.
Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Harry's Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 from 4 to 8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.
As a result of the ongoing and ever-developing health crisis in the world and with genuine concern for the people whom they love, Harry’s family has decided that his funeral mass will be private with interment taking place in the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 59 Cottage Street, Sharon, MA 02067.
