John S. Gill

John Stanley Gill, of New Britain, CT, formerly of Southington, CT, passed away on August 12, 2026, at the age of 76, surrounded by family.

John was born on April 15, 1950, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, to Stanley and Stephanie Gill, both of whom predeceased him. He was also predeceased by several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins whose love and influence remained with him throughout his life.

John is survived by his son, John Gill and his wife, Lily, of Simsbury, Connecticut, and their daughters, Stephanie and Ruby; and his daughter, Natalie Audi and her husband, Steve, of Southington, Connecticut, and their children, Mila, Steven, and Chase.

John was a man of quiet faith and absolute devotion to his family and community. He did not need grand gestures to make his love known. He showed it through constancy, presence, loyalty, and an unwavering willingness to be there.

In life, his grandchildren were his North Star, and he navigated accordingly. Whether it was a sporting event, a recital, a play, a trip to McDonald’s, a gossip session, a special meal, or quiet moments of reflection and understanding, John was there; drawn to his grandchildren by the strongest force in the universe: love.

In his passing, John now becomes their North Star. The memories they made together, the lessons he taught by example, and the love he gave so freely will remain a constant source of guidance and strength throughout their lives.

John’s devotion to family and community was rooted in his earliest years. His father, Stanley, died when John was just two years old, and he was raised by his mother, Stephanie, a woman of remarkable strength, courage, and resilience. She provided for him, guided him, and laid the foundation for the values that would define his own life.

John lovingly recalled the memories they shared: summers spent on Cape Cod, the time they saw Sandy Koufax pitch a gem against the Mets in 1966, and Stephanie’s famous golabki. Different moments, different places, but always the same thread running through them: love, presence, and family.

Those values followed John throughout his life.

He gave generously of his time to his community, particularly through youth sports. Over the years, John coached youth football, baseball, basketball, and softball, teaching far more than the rules of a game. He taught teamwork, perseverance, accountability, confidence, and the importance of showing up for one another. His Southington Youth Basketball Lakers team became the stuff of local legend, remembered not simply for what happened on the court, but for the bonds and memories created along the way.

John was also a proud member of the Southington High School Football Gridiron Club and the Southington Lacrosse Booster Club, continuing his lifelong support of young athletes and the community surrounding them.

In his later years, John remained deeply connected to the friendships and traditions of his community through his membership in the Improved Order of Red Men, the Sons of Italy, and the Polish Falcons Club. These organizations reflected something fundamental about John: he valued fellowship, tradition, shared experience, and the simple importance of belonging.

John’s life was not defined by possessions or accolades. It was defined by the people he loved, the time he gave, the friendships he cultivated, the children he coached, and the family members who always knew they could count on him.

His legacy lives in ordinary moments made extraordinary by his presence: cheering from the sidelines, sitting in an audience, sharing a meal, taking a drive, telling a story, offering advice, listening without judgment, or simply sitting quietly beside someone he loved.

To help us honor John’s memory, spend time with your family and friends. Share a kind word with a stranger. Show up for someone who needs you. Cheer a little louder from the sidelines. Call someone you have been meaning to call. Sit together over a meal and stay a little longer than you planned.

John understood, perhaps better than most, that the most meaningful parts of life are often the simplest: being present, being kind, and loving people completely.

And for those he loved most, whenever the road ahead feels uncertain, his light will still be there.

They need only look North.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026 from the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Church, 254 Burritt St., Plantsville. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Southington. Calling hours will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at the Plantsville Funeral Home. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneral home.com.