Francis Gildea

Francis Bays Gildea, born March 13, 1977 left on his own terms October 25, 2023. Francis was a Navy veteran and served on the USS Clark FFG-11. He made lifelong friends while serving and will be missed by his fellow shipmates. Once he got out of the Navy, he went to restaurant management for about 20 years. He moved around trying to find his spot in the world before landing in Colorado, where he met his wife, Charli Gildea. After realizing she was more mechanically inclined than he was, he decided to change career paths and go into construction. He learned how to use power tools and well, that was it for our bank account. We moved back to Wurtsboro, NY in 2018 and he went to work for Clegg Bros doing garage doors. In 2022, he began working at Middletown Medical. He also began volunteering for Rock Hill VAC. His arm was twisted into taking the EMS course, and ended up earning his NYS EMT certification. This was one of his proudest personal accomplishments in life. Thank you RHVAC for putting up with his antics and shenanigans since he joined. Francis was also employed with Greenville Township VAC on weekends. He enjoyed and respected the corp so much as they displayed incredible patience with him during his hardest times. He saved lives over the last couple of years, and in passing he saved more with his organ donations.

Francis leaves behind his forever loving wife, Charli. Son, Matthew Reaves, who made him extremely proud. His loving parents, Cindy Coker and Fred Harding. His older brother whom he loved and looked up to, Daniel Gildea (wife Andrea and niece Lillian). Brothers Brett Harding and Scott Harding. Sister Stephanie McInerney (husband Tim and niece Ava). Along with numerous other nieces and nephews. He missed time with them, but just know you guys were very loved by Francis. Francis also leaves behind a few special in-laws. He loved picking political fights with Sharon, getting into fun trouble with Holli, and being the "apple of Grandma Patsy's eye". Francis also leaves behind his "kids", his 4 dogs. Marley (the old man), George, his face eating people eater that was truly his therapy dog and best friend, Sky (his pretty girl), and Chapo (his chichi). Francis loved dogs, especially rescues far more than people. He leaves behind so many friends that loved him so much more than he ever even knew.

He is pre-deceased by his father, Daniel Peter Gildea. He missed his dad so much and we are all grateful he is now reunited.

To know Francis was to love him. He had a shining personality that people loved. He had no problem getting under your skin and annoying you. He got a kick out of proving his point (even when he was wrong). He loved his Giants. He loved to be active and drive to the same store 6 times in a day just to get out of the house. He loved with his whole heart. He will be sorely missed. Rather than be sad for his loss, please be happy for his peace. There will be a "Remembrance Party" for him at the Rock Hill FD on November 3rd, 2023 at 6pm. Come by to share better times for him and say hi. Dress casual and remember, it's not a funeral.

If you are suffering or need help, please reach out. You aren't alone, even if you feel like you are. As Francis would say "Have the day you deserve".

I loved you yesterday, today, and forever more. Find your peace my love-2713