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Leonard James Gill of the Shinnecock Indian Nation died May 23 in Albany, a few days before he would have been 64.
Born on May 29, 1951, to Betty Elizabeth Arrington Gill and James “Sonny” Gill, in New York City, he attended school in Brooklyn and the Bronx before enlisting in the armed forces. He served from 1970 to 1972, during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged with service-connected disabilities from Agent Orange, which he suffered with most of his life.
He returned home to Shinnecock, living with his uncle Joey Arrington and earned a living as a cook in local restaurants during the summer seasons. He also drove a taxi cab in Southampton and Riverhead to earn extra money. He was known as an excellent cook whose specialty was stuffed cabbage. During a Shinnecock Presbyterian Church fundraiser, he cooked his specialty and was met with rave reviews.
Survivors said he had two loves in his life, his mother, Betty Gill, and his grandmother Evelyn. He remained in Southampton for many years until he moved to Albany, where his health began to deteriorate.
Mr. Gill was predeceased by his mother, Betty Elizabeth Gill; father, James Gill; and brothers, Stephen and Curtis Gill. He is survived by a son, Charles James Bastdeo; sisters, Velma Redfield of Shinnecock, Patricia Gill, Thomasa Gill, and Delesia Tutt of New York City; aunts, Frances Coard of Shinnecock, and Martha Morgan and Rosetta Morgan of New York City; nieces, Keri Hicks and Micah Abercrombie; great-nieces and great-nephews, Taznay Tutt, Ashli Hicks, Trillion Hicks and Nigel Abercrombie; and longtime friend Diane Owens; as well as a host of family and friends.
Burial was at Gerald R.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.
Memorial donations may be made to the Shinnecock Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 5011, Southampton, NY 11969.
on Jun 8, 2015