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Robert ‘Bob’ Walter Gill
Robert “Bob” Walter Gill of Southampton died peacefully at Stony Brook Hospital on August 6, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous and lengthy battle with medical complications. He was 81.
He was born in Huntington on May 12, 1943. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, in which he served with distinction in Alaska and Germany until his honorable discharge in 1967.
In 1965, he married Mary Ann Ferreira, and together they started a family. Known for his curious and creative mind, Gill had a passion for all things building and mechanical. He began his career working with his father at Tuckahoe Hardware Store in Southampton, where he opened a flooring section.
Wanting to pursue his love of flying, he moved his wife and then young son to Daytona to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, becoming a pilot and flight instructor. During his time in Florida, he also worked part-time in a carpet store.
Upon returning to Southampton, the couple opened The Carpetman store, invested in real estate and later developed the complex on County Road 39A, where The Carpetman is now located.
His love of the water led to many joyful times boating and maintaining a second home in Ponce Inlet, Florida. He cherished the annual yacht trips along the intercoastal waterways between Southampton and Daytona with family and friends.
In 1993, he sold The Carpetman to his son, Robert, to spend more time in Florida. Ever the entrepreneur, he pursued a real estate license and successfully established Gill Properties of Florida Inc. in Daytona.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Mary Ann Gill; his son, Robert E. Gill of Southampton; his daughter, Tracey A. Gill of Southampton; his brother, Thomas Gill of Aiken, South Carolina; his sisters, Judy Hyre of Ontario, Canada, and Susen Shields of Newnan, Georgia; five grandchildren, Ryan, Conor, Colby, Kiera Gill and Jarred Halsey; his nephews, Aaron, Marvin, James and Jeff Gill, Todd Brewer, John Ferreira, David Ferreira, and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert V. Gill and Selma S. Gill; and his brother, James R. Gill.
A private graveside service will be held on Monday, August 12, with a celebration of life event planned for a later date.
Donations in honor of Robert W. Gill can be made to the Southampton Lions Club, PO Box 358, Southampton, NY 11969-0358.
Staff Writer on Aug 8, 2024