Norman David Gillan

Norman David Gillan, age 92 of Carlsbad, N.M, formerly of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.  He was born on November 20, 1929 in Tampico, Mexico, son of the late William Gillan and Agnes Brown Gillan.

He spent his early years in Mexico, Scotland, and Laredo, Texas, before moving to Philadelphia, PA for high school. David served in the US Army and was active in the Korean War Veterans associations in Delaware and New Mexico. He taught English at various institutions and, after many years at Brandywine High School retired from the Brandywine School District. He also was a track coach, played and coached soccer and did ultra-marathons. He was an avid reader and loved to debate any issue.   

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne H. Gillan and his granddaughter, Caitlin Gillan. He is survived by his five children: Debbie Healy (T.J.), Cindy Higdon (Carroll), Kathy Cannatelli (Tom Capozzoli), David Gillan (Christine B.), and Andy Gillan (Christine L.); his nine grandchildren: Jennifer Celano (Jamie), Steven Higdon (Elizabeth), Melissa Nagy (Joe), Kristen Coveleski (Josh), Troy Cannatelli, Colleen Cavataio (Brandon), and Taylor Marketvich (Nate), Grant, and Ross Gillan; his ten great grandchildren: James Celano, Jr. and Luke Celano, Olivia, Sarah and Caroline Higdon, Camden and Ella Nagy, Carter, Caroline and Cooper Coveleski, and Greyson and Blair Cavataio and step daughters Lindsey Mucciolo (Louis) and Lisa Yewdall. 

His family looks forward to celebrating David’s life in Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Dave's memory to Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter, 5217 Buena Vista Drive, Carlsbad, N.M. 88220