Jeffrey M. Gillen Obituary

Jeffrey M. Gillen attended Penn-Trafford High School in Harrison City, PA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Jeffrey M. Gillen.

Graduation Year	Class of 1990
Date of Passing	Sep 09, 2009
About	Jeffrey Michael Gillen, 37, of Penn Township, Westmoreland County, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2009, while in the company of his loving wife, adoring mother, and devoted sisters. Jeff was born November 16, 1971, in Pittsburgh, a son of Bonnie Lou (Bouma) Gillen and the late Michael Francis Gillen. He graduated from Penn-Trafford High School in 1990, was educated at Westmoreland County Community College where he received a degree in Criminal Justice, and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania Police Academy Training Center. Jeff was a Law Enforcement Officer for the Penn Township Police Department for 9 years (retired 2007 due to injuries sustained in the line of duty). There he served as a Patrol Officer, D.A.R.E. Officer and S.R.O serving the Penn-Trafford School District, Tactical Response Team member, and Narcotics Investigations Team member. He also served as a judge appointed (1996) and elected (1997) Constable for Penn Township. Jeff was currently employed at the Driver and Photo Exam Center in Westmoreland County. He recently ran a spirited campaign for Magisterial District Justice in Penn Township, Trafford, and Manor during which time he met and talked with many members of his community; he greatly enjoyed the opportunity to run for the office and his family and friends are so proud of his hard work and effort. Jeff received many honors during his time of service with the Penn Township Police Department which include: Policeman of the Year by the Norwin Elks; Citizen of the Year by the Murrysville Star; and several Official Citations from the Commonwealth by the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania. In his own words, Jeff was dedicated to maintaining the safety and overall security of others and facilitating peace in his community. Jeff was full of charm, wit, and generosity; and he was an uniquely loving husband; son; brother; uncle; grandson; nephew; cousin; and friend. He genuinely enjoyed socializing with his many friends and family members (sharing his impressive volume of knowledge about history, politics, and religion;) relaxing while playing various games, supporting his favorite sports team (Steelers season ticket holder,) vacationing at the beach, listening to his favorite music, and creating special memories with his beloved wife and their energetic golden retriever. Jeff's courage throughout his life and career is an inspiration to all who knew him. Jeff will be dearly missed and forever loved. In addition to his father, Jeff was preceded in death by his grandparents, Francis and Elizabeth Gillen, father-in-law, Donald Terpko; and Aunt, Marge Gillen. Jeff is survived by his wife, Tina (Terpko) Gillen; beloved dog, Gracie; his mother, Bonnie Gillen; sister, Michelle Taylor-McManus and husband, Pat, and nephews, Troy and Justin, and niece, Corrin; sister, Denise Caralli and husband, Mike, and niece, Madelynne; Mother-in-law, Elisa Terpko; sister-in-law, Diane Vukas and husband, Mike, and nephews, Michael and Christopher; uncle, Daniel Gillen; uncle, Dr. Lawrence Bouma and wife, Patricia; aunt, Sheryl Fedore and husband, Robert; cousins, Daniel Gillen and wife, Cassie; Kristen Martin and husband, Jimmy; Megan Marks and husband, Matt; Robert Fedore and wife Katy; Jason Fedore; Brian Fedore and wife Renee; Jennifer Bouma; and many extended family members. IN HONOR OF... The Jeffrey M. Gillen Memorial Law Enforcement Scholarship has been established by his wife, Tina Gillen, to honor the service and commitment of Patrolman Gillen to the students of the Penn-Trafford School District and the citizens of Penn Township. This scholarship, offered in collaboration with the Penn Township Police Department, is designed to provide financial support to a student of the Penn-Trafford School District who will dedicate himself or herself to "serve and protect" by pursuing a career in law enforcement. Friends who wish to honor their fellow classmate may do so by making a donation to the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (951 Old Salem Road, Greensburg, PA 15601) and specify that the contribution is for the Ptlm. Jeffrey M. Gillen Memorial Scholarship Fund.