Due To Weather, Services For Gary Lillis Changed

GREENPORT, NY — Due to the impending snowstorm, services for Gary Lillis have been moved to Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Horton-Mathie Funeral Home, located at 735 First Street.

A 10 a.m. religious service will now be held on Saturday, February 11 in the Horton-Mathie Funeral Home by Reverend Dr. Peter Kelley.

His family would appreciate memorial donations, in his name, to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Burial will follow Saturday at Stirling Cemetery.

Lillis, a beloved science and health teacher and baseball coach at Greenport High School who also taught driver's education, was remembered this week by the scores of students and friends whose lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and caring spirit.

"He was a teacher and a friend. We all trusted him. We knew he cared," Danielle Harrison-Meraz told Patch. "I'm so blessed that my kids had him, too. Another great guy gone. He will be so missed."

She added, "He was a gentle man. And a gentleman."

Patty Hocker agreed, speaking with Patch Saturday. "He was just one of the kindest, gentlest people I've ever known. He always had a smile for everyone. He was always willing to take the time to talk to the students and keep up with what was going on with them or just share a funny story. Probably the thing most recent in my memory is the fact that he was at every Greenport High School All Class Reunion as a greeter so he would have the chance to see everyone as that came."

Just this past July, Lillis and his beaming smile were onhand to greet the steady stream of students who arrived at the Greenport High School All Class Reunion, held at the Fifth Street Park.

Added Jill Franke, "He was a very loved teacher for many years in Greenport School, and a friend."

On Facebook, she wrote, "One of my favorite sayings From Mr. Gary Lillis was, 'If you can drive through Greenport Village in the middle of summer, you deserve a driver's license.' Missing you already! Rest peacefully, my friend."

Southold Town Councilman Jim Dinizio said, "He was a true gentleman and had patience of a saint. A great teacher."

Added Katie Johnson, "Mr. Lillis was one of the best teachers out there. He really, truly cared about his students, and was such a fun, easygoing guy. You could always go to him with any issues and he'd be there for you, no matter what. Rest in peace, Gary Lillis. All of your students loved you so much."

Photo of Mr. Lillis with Danielle Harrison-Meraz at the last Greenport High School All-Class Reunion in July, courtesy of Danielle-Harrison-Meraz.