Michael Gillin

Michael Francis Xavier Gillin, 75, of Newtown Square, PA passed away on November 1, 2021.

Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1946, Michael was the son of the late Joseph R. and Leonore P. (née Morris) Gillin.

Mike was the beloved husband of Debra A. (née Roth) Gillin; and the loving father of Michael F. X. Gillin, II. He was the dear brother of Edward W. Gillin (Mary), Rev. Thomas P. Gillin, James A. Gillin (Patricia), the late Joseph R. Gillin (Virginia) and Leonore G. Korth (Howard). He is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews.

He was a 1964 graduate of Monsignor Bonner Catholic High School, 1969 graduate of Biscayne College and a 1980 graduate of Widener University School of Law.

Upon graduating from college, Mike was employed by the Pennsylvania Crime Commission. He was assigned the Counties of Chester and Delaware where he assisted local Police Departments and The Court System, District Attorney and Correctional System. He was later recruited by the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas as its Director of Criminal Justice, Planning Office, and later served as Director of Delaware County Intergovernmental Affairs Office. During this period, he also served as an Adjunct Professor at Delaware County Community College, West Chester University and the Delaware County Police Academy.

In 1980, Mike joined the Media Law Firm of Eckell, Sparks, Auerbach and Monte as an associate attorney. He then joined fellow attorney, William G. Halligan to establish Halligan & Gillin, P.C. in 1984. In 1987 Mike established Michael F.X. Gillin & Associates in Media, Pennsylvania.

Michael F.X. Gillin & Associates has gained a reputation as a highly respected law firm. Michael and his Associates handle hundreds of cases per year, from serious litigation matters, to Estate Planning. Mike specialized in Litigation, Municipal Law, Environment Law and Estate Litigation. He has argued cases before the Pennsylvania Superior Court and Commonwealth Court as well as the Unites States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.

Michael had vast trial experience and was accepted as an Expert Witness in Orphans Court Cases in Chester and Montgomery Counties.

Since 1980, he had been appointed to several Solicitorships: Marple Township, Folcroft Borough, Delaware County Solid Waste Authority, Delaware County Chester Waterfront Industrial Development Authority. He was elected twice as the Delaware County Register of Wills (1996-2006). He was appointed by the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education as the Chairman of the Board Control of the Chester Upland School District (2003- 2007), where the Board turned a financial distress district to that of one that displayed a balanced budget after three (3) years. He served eight (8) years on the Board of Trustees of Immaculata College and eight (8) years on the Southeast Delaware County United Way Board of Directors. He was an elected Republican Committeeman for Newtown Township for twenty-five (25) years and Chairman for twenty-two (22) years.

He was a longtime member of St. Anastasia Church in Newtown Square. He was a member of the Avalon Yacht Club and the Overbrook Golf Club.

Throughout his career, he had maintained membership in the American, Pennsylvania, and Delaware County Bar Associations, PA Trial Lawyer Association, Phi Alphi Delta Law Fraternity and Knights of Columbus. He had served on the Immaculata College Board of Trustees (1985-1993), St. Thomas University President's Council (1983-1986), Avalon Yacht Club Board of Trustees (4 years), United Way of Southeast Delco Board Member (6 years), Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Newtown Square Business and Professional Association.

Michael was very proud to achieve the following awards and honors: Delaware County Bar Association Large Firm Pro Bono Award, Pennsylvania Administrators Association of Special Courts, Delaware County Young Republican, Newtown Republican Party, Immaculata College Pacesetters, Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans Court Association, Delaware County Chamber of Commerce Pacesetters.

Mike loved spending family summers in Avalon, NJ, traveling, and always enjoyed a good game of golf. He was a selfless friend to many.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Sunday Evening, November 7, 2021, 5:00-7:00 PM, at the Donohue Funeral Home, 3300 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, 610-353-6300, and Monday morning, 9:00-10:15 AM at St. Anastasia Church, 3301 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073, followed by his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM. Interment SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to the Penn Medicine Fund for the Abramson Cancer Center, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104, www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/giving

Online condolences at www.donohuefuneralhome.com