Leo J. Gillis passed away at the Kindred Boston North Shore Hospital, on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, after a long illness. He was 73 years of age. Leo was born in Newburyport to the late Joseph & Catherine (Jacobs) Gillis, was raised in Newburyport and attended Newburyport schools. Mr. Gillis worked as a self-employed painter for many years before going to work for Costello Paint Contractors of Boston for 15 years. He has been a resident of Melrose for over 30 years. Leo enjoyed fishing, traveling, gambling and his trips to Las Vegas. Mr. Gillis was the devoted husband of Claire N. (Pedrini) Gillis. Loving father of Lee Ann Shea & her husband Dennis of Rockland, Sandra Morrissey of VA, Kathryn Gillis of IN, Dennis H. Sullivan & his wife Mal of Lowell, Bryan M. Sullivan & his wife Patsy, Sharon A. Lloyd and her late husband Edward J. Lloyd all of Melrose. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday April 6th at 9AM. Funeral Mass in The Church of the Incarnation, 429 Upham St. Melrose at 10AM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours Sunday 2-6PM. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Memorial contributions may be made in Leo's memory to the American Heart Assoc. 20 Speen St. Framingham, 01701.