Tributes and Reflections
This page will continue to be updated. Please check back often.
Tribute Article from the Catholic Review
https://catholicreview.org/father-thomas-gills-western-maryland-pastor-and-military-chaplain-who-aided-wounded-dies-at-71/
Memories and Reflections
Sept 14,2025: Dear Friends of Fr. Tom, First of all… please accept my most heartfelt condolences. I’m sure you must be feeling the same mix of loss and love at having been lucky enough to have known Father Tom. I was a parishioner at St. Mary’s in Hagerstown when Fr. Tom arrived there around 1990. He was an incredible friend from the moment we met. I have tons of stories I could share, but probably the most important would be to share the last email I received from him and my response — which unfortunately wasn’t sent until after I learned he had passed.
From Fr. Tom: "Happy and blessed Assumption Day and weekend Brother Sean
Thank you for being a bright light in my life as well!!!" [emojis omitted] Best of Blessings, Father Tom.
My reply: My Dearest Father, Brother in Christ and most importantly… my treasured friend;
I am so sorry it’s taken me so long to reply to your email. I thought I had more time.
I learned day before yesterday that you have left this world to take the next step and prepare a way for the rest of us, as you have always done. I know you won’t be picking up your phone or sitting down at a computer to read this email, but I have to believe you are part of everything now and that my message, and the love that goes along with it, will reach you somehow through the ether. My first reaction when I heard you were found lifeless in your garage was a fear you might have felt alone and scared. But then I thought about you and realized that, if you had even a millisecond with which to process what was happening, you would have approached it with the same joy and enthusiasm that I know you met every other part of your life. It makes me think of how Steve Jobs’s last words were reported to be simply, “Wow…"
I miss you already. I wish you could have met Nichole. I wish I could have said goodbye.
I texted our pastor, Fr. Phil, the night I learned of your passing and asked him to say a prayer. He surprised me by including your name in the prayer intentions at the 10:30 mass the next morning. You would love him. He’s extraordinary.
Remembering a lot the last few days. I’ve listened to The Doors a few times at night while I walk my dog Herbie (you would love him too), remembering how you changed the words to “Come on Jesus light my fire” while we all drove back across the mountains from the Chrism mass in Baltimore. Thank you for inviting me along on opportunities like that. And, once again, thank you for teaching me what it means to truly celebrate Mass. And for making me feel a special part of it when you’d somehow figure out I slipped in to the back of church and you’d save a part of the large host for me. I’ll never forget you saying, “Sean… the body of Christ” with that big smile on your whole face.
And how supportive you were. Like the time you saw me standing in the sacristy with that crazy blue electric guitar I somehow thought would be a good idea to play with a folk group, and telling me it was going take me far. I guess it did. I was very proud to lead the music for our Life Teen masses at St. Ann’s. Probably more importantly, guitar has always been a refuge for me. I’m glad I stuck with it.
What else to say? Probably a lot. I’m so sorry I didn’t answer this email sooner. I know you’ll forgive me. I’m sure I’ll talk to you a lot until I see you again." With love, Sean Burgess
- - -
"Thank you this opportunity to share a favorite Fr. Tom story. Robin Marie Taylor: I met Fr. Tom in 1990 when he came to St. Mary in Hagerstown as associate pastor.
I helped with Life Teen and on one of the beach retreat talk sessions, we were all answering the question, “what do you want to be remembered for”? When we get to Fr. Tom he says, “as one of the worlds greatest LOVERS!”. Naturally all the teens, actually everyone, laughed at that. I wholeheartedly believe he achieved that, and then some, as wherever he went he loved well and was loved in return. He became a lifelong soul friend and confidant and I, as many others, will surely miss his earthly presence.
I like to think of him touching us in this late summer sun, the soft breeze and sounds of nature. I can imagine the powerhouse of Tom +fully United with Jesus and the love they have to care for us. "The monument to the unborn in our churchyard started off as a Knights of Columbus project. My friend Jack Ames of "Defend Life" in Baltimore put up $750 to get it started. Then we tried to raise money within the KofC and through a special Sunday collection. But those avenues didn't produce anywhere near enough money. (The total cost was about $ 3K, even when much of the labor was contributed by Knights like Jim Price, Dan Clark and others). Fr. Tom Gills stepped up and contributed at least $1000 of his own money. I griped about that, saying it was the obligation of the KofC (not the pastor !) to raise the money, but Fr. Tom said to me quite clearly: "Tom, we're going to do it this way." -- and that was the last word on the financing."
- - -
The monument to the unborn in our churchyard started off as a Knights of Columbus project. My friend Jack Ames of "Defend Life" in Baltimore put up $750 to get it started. Then we tried to raise money within the KofC and through a special Sunday collection. But those avenues didn't produce anywhere near enough money. (The total cost was about $ 3K, even when much of the labor was contributed by Knights like Jim Price, Dan Clark and others). Fr. Tom Gills stepped up and contributed at least $1000 of his own money. I griped about that, saying it was the obligation of the KofC (not the pastor !) to raise the money, but Fr. Tom said to me quite clearly: "Tom, we're going to do it this way." -- and that was the last word on the financing. When we gather at the monument on Sunday September 14, we should remember that we owe it primarily to Fr. Tom Gills foresight, planning and generosity." ~ Tom Sheahen
- - -
"I miss you so very much. I don’t know how to really express my feelings. I only say thank you so very much for all our daily messages. My prayer is simple. Enjoy your life in heaven. I’m sure Jesus said well done my faithful one. Your work on earth is completed. Lovingly in Jesus name," Fran.
- - -
"We met Fr Tom outside the Chapel on his 1st day at St Peter's. He met us with a hug and his signature smile...and it only got better from there. He started recruiting us and so many others into service for the Parish...Counting Teams, Pastoral Council, Mission Teams and on and on. When we were collecting money for any purpose, he was the first to reach into his pocket.
Most of all he became our friend. Yes, he was Pastor, Confessor, Faith Leader, Emotional Supporter and Cheerleader, but most of all he was our friend. Through thick and thin, good times and some very difficult times for our family...he was there with phone calls, texts, visits...and mostly with prayers and Masses.
His stories, his humor, his love of music and his energy were so integral to him, but most of all it was his reverence in all he did. He was truly a Servant of God. We grieve his loss, but celebrate his life. We will never forget all he brought to St Peter's and we are grateful that God brought him into our lives. We miss you, Fr Tom." ~Charlie and Elaine Boyd
- - -
"I do not know if I can completely convey all of my thoughts and feelings about Father Tom Gills. I knew Father Tom for only a short amount of time, about 6 years. In those 6 years Father Tom had a great influence on my religious beliefs and he inspired me in so many different ways. A key thing he taught me, “who are we to judge”, a thought also taught by Pope Francis.
I was very fortunate to have spent a couple days with Father Tom and we discussed so many things, more than just our religion. I will always cherish those moments and will have great memories from our time together.
May God bless Father Tom and Lord please take care of him.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Father Tom, his family and friends." ~ Bill Wiltgen
- - -
"I was in the Navy with Father Tom 1974-1978. We were but young sailors new to the Navy and adult world. Back then we called him Tommy. He was always the adventurous sort with something interesting up his sleeve.
I remember the day that Jimmy Carter was inaugurated President. Tommy and I decided to walk from Ft. Myer, I am pretty sure it was his idea and not mine, down to the parade route to see some of the parade. It was a blustery cold but sunny January day. We walked from Arlington, Va to the Capitol building and were able to view the new President at one point. A very exciting experience for young sailors!
After we walked back to Ft. Myer Tommy had a great idea that I should take my first trip across White's Ferry. So off we go in his Grand Prix (disco music playing on the 8 track) and off to Poolsville, MD to ride the ferry across to Virginia turned around and came right back.
By this time it was dark and freezing cold! Tommy had to get out of the car and stand against the railing of the ferry braced again the cold and wind. I can still seeing him in my minds eye. On our way back to Ft. Myer we slid off the road and got stuck in the snow. Always a resourceful sort he gabbed the car floor mats popped them under the tires and out we came.
Another time he wanted me to see Meet me in St. Louis on the big screen. He was a classic movie buff. So off we went to see Meet Me in St. Louis, Easter Parade and Rocky Horror picture show at the Biograph in Georgetown. An interesting combination of movies!
At one point we were working the night shift entering orders for navy enlisted folks. There was sometimes some down time and Tommy gabbed someone motorcycle helmet and an umbrella and entertained us with a rendition of Singing in the Rain.
Tommy was a unique person and always made the world a little happier wherever he went.
The world as lost a good human. Rest easy my shipmate! ~Jennifer Eaton
- - -
"Father Tom came into our lives over 25 years ago as our neighbor, bringing warmth, kindness, and a love for the outdoors. He became part of our family, marrying Brad and me in 2000, and stood by us during one of our most difficult times—being with us daily for 14 days until his passing. He proudly spoke of his family, parish, and friends, and his smile could brighten any day. We often discussed planning a trip to Alaska, I wish we hadn't delayed it. I am truly honored to have known him and will deeply miss my neighbor, friend, and family. While words cannot express the sadness I feel, I hold on to the cherished memories we shared. My heartfelt condolences go to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him."~ Many Prayers, Bradley, Tina Brittany, Colby, Nate and Kayla
- - -
"There are no words to express the sadness we feel upon hearing of Father Tom’s untimely death. We are gifted to have known such a wonderful man and a great priest. Father Tom officiated our wedding and made that night very special for us. Our love and prayers go out to Father Tom’s family and friends." ~ With Heavy Hearts, Roland Hagge and Lisa Scott-Hagge
- - -
Such sad news! I offer my most heartfelt condolences for Fr. Tom's family, his many friends and all parish family members. who deeply respected and dearly love him! ~ Mary Mullenax
- - -
The passing of my dear friend Tommy is to say the least shocking. He was my best friend since 1977 (48 years) while we were in the Navy together. Not only that we lived in two different houses while in the service. We lived at 306 Veitch St. in a small duplex in Arlington, VA (Near Ft. Myer). We had two cats (Whiskey and Whitefoot). Then after about a year or so we moved to 832 S. Courthouse Rd. in Arlington. There we added 3 other Navy roommates (Nick, Rick and another guy). It was a big house and my room was near the front entrance in the “Library”. He was always playing 45 records of great music in his giant bedroom upstairs.
I remember he had “Vidal Sassoon” shampoo in his shower that I thought was a luxury item. It smelled great and he let me borrow some. I cherished that smell on my short Navy hair. One day one of the male cats sprayed his upholstered chair in his room. He was so mad that soon after that the cats disappeared. He couldn't get rid of the smell and that chair must have meant something to him.
Tommy was very open to religious ideas and once let inside the house two Mormon missionaries. He took them upstairs and had a chat with them. Maybe that was one of the reasons that sparked him to become a Catholic Priest.
I met my fiancé during that time and then in 1979 he was the “Best Man” at my wedding. Then around that time he got out of the Navy and got into his 1967 Pontiac GTO convertible and said I am leaving. He drove all the way to Key West, FLA with the top down. That's the last time I saw him until his Ordainment to be a Catholic Priest. I believe I attended two different ceremonies (Graduation and Ordainment). After that we just stayed in touch sporadically.
Another story that comes to mind is the time that Tommy (that is was I used to call him and still did recently) walked the 185 miles of the C&O canal from Cumberland, MD to Georgetown, DC.
He didn't do it all at once but in stages. One the first stage he left his car near “Paw Paw” and I drove him to Cumberland, MD. He hiked/walked to his car and I guess from there he drove home to Little Orleans. It took him about 3 or 4 stages to complete the entire route to D.C.
On one of the stages (I think the 1st stage) it got very cold at night and he got caught in bad weather. He told me he tried to light a fire at a hostel but went through all his matches and was down to his last match. He prayed that the match would light the fire otherwise he thought he wouldn't make it through the night. His prayers were answered when that last match got the fire started. Another test of his faith.
Father Tom loved bluebells and we would share photos of these plants along the canal.
Over these last 2 years we stayed in touch by text after he called me out of the blue one night. It was so nice to hear from him after so many years.
We exchanged Christmas cards every year and he found the most beautiful cards.
We both also shared the love of the movie “The Wizard of Oz”
At his retirement ceremony last year in June I gave him another small model car of a Pontiac GTO (black) and a Wizard of Oz memento.
Tommy loved to drive and once he had a Tan Pontiac Grand Prix he used to drive us around in. Then later I believe he traded that for his GTO Convertible.
Tommy was my best friend, best man and I felt like he was truly my big brother. ~ Ricky Harper
