Robert B. Gilroy's Obituary
Robert Burns Gilroy of Kula Hawaii passed away on July 29, 2023 in Kahului at the age of 95. A private funeral service will be held at Nakamura Mortuary in Wailuku, with burial following at Maui Memorial Park. Robert loved the sound of the soulful bag pipes, and there will be a remembrance playing.
Robert Burns Gilroy was born to William Taylor Gilroy and Clara Monig Russell on the same day as his name sake, the great Scottish poet Robert Burns on January 25, 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. Robert was raised in New Jersey, but returned to Boston where he met the love of his life, Drucilla Ursula Gilliss on a date set up for Thanksgiving 1949 and they were married on June 26, 1954. They were blessed with five beautiful daughters; Barbara, Nancy, Sandra, Lisa and Diana as well as 5 grandchildren (Matthew, Brian, Kathryn, Jacob and Mica) and 2 great grandchildren (Jude and Orson).
After graduating from MIT in February 1949, Robert pursued a career with the CAA (Civil Aeronautics Association, later renamed the FAA Federal Aviation Administration) installing navigational aids to the eastern seaboard. In 1955 he was transferred to Honolulu, to become the Chief of Engineering Branch for the Pacific Region. His last move was to Maui to become the Sector Manager for Maui and Hawaii Counties from 1973 to 1983. Robert retired from civil service in 1983.
While working all those years, Robert always dreamed of being a published writer like his name sake. He learned to write without the fear of rejection slips. He became very involved with the Toastmasters, serving as the Sgt at Arms, Secretary and Administrative VP. He was even selected as Editor of the District 49 bulletin.
Following retirement, Robert pursued volunteer work with AARP Tax Aide program and explored more publishing attempts. He worked with the Kula chapter of AARP, the Maui chapter of National Association of Retired Federal Employees and the Maui Friends of the Library.
Robert had a long passion for his weekly bowling league competition with his wife. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and completing puzzles to keep the mind sharp. Robert enjoyed his family time and taking them travelling on vacations to the East Coast to visit extended relations and attend family reunions.
Donations can be made to Isle of Maui Pipe Band, Maui Friends of the Library, or Maui Humane Society. The family would like to thank Hospice Maui for their support.
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