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Delton Farrel 'Gill' Gillman passed away on October 20, 2020 in Lake County, California at the age of 76.
After graduating from Napa High School, Delton served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968. He met his future wife Shirley while both were stationed in Germany in 1966. They were married on December 28, 1968, and made their home in Napa.
Gill spent his career at Mare Island Naval Shipyard, working in Shop 56 as a Pipefitter Foreman from 1969 to 1994, a 25-year career. He enjoyed camping, deer hunting, fishing, and boating with his family. He was a skilled craftsman.
Delton succumbed to Huntington's Disease, described as a progressive brain disorder caused by a defective gene inherited from a parent. Gill dealt with this condition for 24 years, causing mobility issues and cognitive loss. However, his love and admiration for his family remained strong, especially his love for Shirley, that can only be described as almighty, something read in romance novels and seen on big screens.
Delton is survived by Shirley, his wife of 51 years; three daughters, Sherri Cittoni, Christy Worthington, and Trisha Gillman; four grandchildren, and two sisters; as well as Hector, his faithful dog.
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Patricia 'Pat' Brunson (Kaminska)
I really didn't know Gill. I did reconize his picture. I decided to post a note in his memory because he reminded me of my Dad. First off, they had the same profession. I'm sure my Dad worked in the same shop. It made me smile when I read it. My smile got bigger when I read he liked to camp, hunt, and fish plus other things. All our vacations were camping. Many were so my Dad could hunt. He hunted with a bow and arrow. He made most of them himself. I think Gill would have enjoyed making them.
I started reading about his battle with Huntington's Disease. What a hard 24 years it must have been. It sounds like he kept a positive attitude. The discription of his love and admiration for his wife and family really touched me. As I continued reading, I wished I had known Delton Farrel Gillman. My prayers and kind thoughts are with his family and friends. Shirley you must be an remarkable woman.
Jonette Pittore (Beck)
Although I only knew Delton in passing at Napa High, I can offer my sincere sympathies to his family, and my prayers that he rest in peace for eternity.
Thomas 'Tom' Johnston Jr.
I had classes with Delton at Napa High and he was a real good guy. Huntington's Disease is terrible and compares to ALS. It's a shame that he had to battle that disease. Sincere condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Sandra 'Sandy' Self (Culbertson)
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. It is hard to lose a loved one; the memories you have must be wonderful. I remember seeing him in school at Napa High. Sandy (Self) Culbertson
William 'Bill' Moody
I'm saddened at the loss of Delton. His was a good friend beginning with Ridgeview Junior High, and on through Napa High. He and I were part of a group of slightly immature students. We weren't scholars by any means. Our group affectionately named him 'Gillie;' and being a good sport, it stuck with him. Others in the group included Tom Simpkins, Lee Grice, Bill Harbison ('63), Ken Madison, and Bill Munk (all gone now, save B. Munk). After high school, our paths went in different directions. By 1965, Gillie went into the Army, and by luck he got stationed in Germany for most of his military service. We both ended up with apprenticeships at Mare Island, but in different sequences; his after military service, and mine beginning about one year after high school graduation. I do recall an early romance gone wrong in Gillie's life in those early years between high school graduation and part way through his military service. Later, and regrettably, I never had the opportunity to meet his wife, Shirley, as my career path had me returning to college and away from Napa.
I do recall the 1950 flat head Mercury 8 hard top he had, and the adventures of using his wheels to get to working the harvest fields in the Summer between our Junior and Senior years. He also rigged up a 'wolf whistle' to work off his manifold. Surely some of the gals would remember being embarrassed by the whistle. By 1968 we lost contact. I do recall trying to find him in the '90s, and was able to get a lead from a newspaper announcement when one of his daughters got married. Somehow the town of Oroville comes to mind (maybe the daughter?). I'll never know; the lead dried up. I miss you Gillie; you were an important part of my 'teen life.'
Bill Moody
Alvin 'Al' Hawkins III
First, I'd like to thank Bill Moody for filling us in on so much history that I'm sure most didn't know. Sadly, I admit I had to look at my yearbook to find Denton's pic. I recognized him; however, no classes with him. But reading about his life from the announcement, there is no question about his character and values. We feel a unified loss when one of our Classmates passes. It reminds us of our own mortality. I can only imagine the loss his family feels and lift them up in prayer.
Jacqueline 'Jackie' Hamilton (Hazeltine)
I do remember him also and think I had some classes with him. Thank you Bill for filling us in. He had a good life it sounds like and that is all we can ask. I especially picked up on that he had a bad relationship with someone, and I for one think about all the stupid things I either said or did. Geeze -- we were only teens and not fully mature in our thinking or actions at the time. It is always best to let go and realize it was nothing but immaturity. God bless his family at this sad time.