District 88 remembers former Board of Education member

Pictured is former District 88 Board of Education member Timothy F. Gillen Sr., who passed away on April 13.

Left: Pictured is former District 88 Board of Education member Timothy F. Gillen Sr., who passed away on April 13. Right: Gillen (center) is pictured with his wife, Mary (left), and District 88 Board of Education President Donna Craft Cain during the Aug. 13, 2018, Board of Education meeting, when he was recognized and honored for his years of service on the Board.

It is with great sadness District 88 shares the news that former District 88 Board of Education member Timothy F. Gillen Sr. passed away on April 13.

Gillen was part of the District 88 Board of Education from 2011 to 2018 and served on the following committees: Behavioral Interventions, Citizens Advisory Councils, Curriculum Council, District 88 Art Scholarship, District Finance and Employee Recognition. His two sons are alumni of District 88’s Willowbrook High School – Tim Jr. in 1983 and Russell in 1984. Gillen also served in the United States Marines. The obituary in memory of Gillen can be viewed at https://www.steuerlefh.com/obituary/timothy-f-gillen-sr.

District 88 administrators and Board of Education members share their thoughts and memories of Gillen below.

“Tim will be remembered as a dedicated school board member, attending school functions to support the students and staff, and being active in the community. He always had a smile on his face and kind words for others. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Mary, and their family.”

- Donna Craft Cain, District 88 Board of Education President

“Tim was not only a Board member; he was a friend. He had a strong passion that all District 88 students had what they needed to be able to grow as students and as members of our community. Tim will be missed.”

- Blanca Jessen, District 88 Board of Education Secretary

“Tim was a tremendous asset to our Board of Education and school community. His support of our students was invaluable, and he and his wife, Mary, were always familiar faces at athletic events and school activities. He truly believed in our mission of working for the continuous improvement of student achievement, and his efforts will be reflected in the successes of our students for years to come.”

- Dr. Scott Helton, District 88 Superintendent

“Mr. Gillen was so excited and proud to be elected to the District 88 Board of Education. He read the Board material with diligence and a commitment to participate in the decision-making process. He would say, ‘What we do for the students is most important. The community is counting on the district to help students be successful future citizens.’ Mr. Gillen attended every event his schedule would allow, which were countless. He cared about the staff members and their goals for achievement. He was a gentleman and an enthusiastic Board member, with a kind sense of humor. He always talked about his family, his work and the time he spent traveling. Mr. Gillen was a valued team member, who will be missed. His spirit and goodness will live on.”

- Dr. Steve Humphrey, former District 88 Superintendent