In Loving Memory of Daniel Joseph Gillin — A One-of-a-Kind Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Hero.
On June 3rd, 2025, the world suddenly lost a legend — Daniel Joseph Gillin, who had just turned 71 years old. He was so many things to so many people — a devoted husband, proud father of 13, loving grandfather, passionate filmmaker, and the kind of unforgettable character who left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
Daniel didn’t just live life — he performed it. His sense of humor was just the right kind of crazy — wild, ridiculous yet passionate, and full of heart. He was the guy who could make an entire room burst into laughter with just one look — or one of his famously outrageous stories.
He leaves behind his beautiful wife, Cynthia, his soulmate and best friend for nearly 40 years. Their love was rare — the kind few will ever find. Together, they built a big, beautiful, loud family of 13 children, and lived a life full of laughter, love, challenges, and endless devotion. They were inseparable — a team in every sense of the word.
Daniel was a filmmaker, a storyteller by nature, always capturing life’s moments with his stories and his wit. But his greatest story was the one he lived — full of purpose, passion, and love for his family and community. He was our rock, our comic relief, our protector, and our example of what it means to give your all to the people you love.
To know him was to never forget him. He was a true original — someone who walked his own path, spoke his mind, and made every room brighter (and louder) just by being in it.
We’re launching this fundraiser to help honor Daniel’s life and legacy with the memorial he deserves. All funds will go toward funeral expenses and supporting the Gillin family as we celebrate this incredible man in the way he would have wanted — with love, laughter, stories, and togetherness.
If Daniel ever made you laugh, made you feel loved, or inspired you in any way, we invite you to contribute or share this page. Your support means the world to us.
Thank you for helping us honor our legend.
With all our love,
The Gillin Family