The Rev. Howard Dennis Gillette died June 15, 2020, age 75, with his loving wife of 36 years, Mary, by his side. He was born August 14, 1944, in Buffalo, NY, to Howard and Emma Gillette. After receiving his MDiv from General Seminary in New York in 2012, he was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh in 2015.
Howard served as associate priest at Saint Peter’s in Brentwood, interim priest at Saint Paul’s in Kittanning, and pastor at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Worthington, PA, and he assisted at many other parishes throughout the diocese. Father Howard was always willing to serve at any church in need of a priest.
He also served in a variety of diocesan roles, including on the Commission on Ministry, and the Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee, and he was active in several chaplaincy programs.
Howard was also a proud member of the US Air Force and served in Vietnam and in Germany. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2004. He also served with the US Customs Department as Customs Patrol Officer in Arizona and Louisiana, as Special Agent in New Mexico and Texas, and as Resident-Agent-in-Charge in Louisiana.
After his retirement from Customs, he attended the School for Ministry in New Orleans, was ordained a deacon, and was a chaplain with Ochsner Hospital before and during Hurricane Katrina; he later served as chaplain with the New Orleans Police in the aftermath of the hurricane. Howard was a member of the Association of Professional Chaplains, the Association of Former OSI Special Agents, and a five-year member of AA.
He is survived by his children, Lynn Gillette of Tucson, AZ, and Axel Gillette (Kellie) of Victoria, British Columbia. He was predeceased by his daughter, Christine Perez, of LA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christi Perez, and Adrian and Brandon Sass, all of LA; and Savannah Gale, of British Columbia; and Sharon Gillette, of AZ.
Howard’s cremains will rest in the columbarium at St. Peter’s, Brentwood, until his memorial service which will take place later due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donations may be sent to Episcopal Relief and Development.
Condolences may be sent to Mary Gillette, 370 Allandale Drive. Bethel Park, PA 15102
Into thy hands, O merciful Savior, we commend thy servant Howard.
Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine own fold, a
lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming.
Receive him into the arms of thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.