Plan for the Future
Robert Bernard Gill, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, surrounded by his family, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 93.
Bob was a devoted husband and family patriarch, an exceptional business executive, outdoorsman, advocate for young people, and a loyal friend to many.
Raised in South Orange, New Jersey, son of Hazel and Joseph Gill, Bob’s early ambition led him to study agriculture at Rutgers University. However, an injury redirected his path, and he went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Lehigh University, where he was a member of the varsity lacrosse team and served as president of the Chi Phi fraternity. Shortly after graduation, at the young age of 21, he married his childhood sweetheart, Barbara Sire, whom he had known since nursery school. Together they raised their family of five children in Chatham, New Jersey.
In 1953, Bob began his distinguished 39-year career with JCPenney in New York City, rising from his first post-collegiate job as a buyer trainee, to eventually become Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. In his early years with the company, Bob initiated several new products which turned into industry standards, including non-slip feet on children’s pajamas and pre-folded diapers in an era before disposable diapers. He went on to represent JCPenney as chair of a Congressional task force focused on improving safety regulations for children’s sleepwear. In 1962, Bob managed a major company expansion from downtown stores into regional malls. This involved adding hard lines including Major Appliances, Paint and Hardware, Automotive, Sporting Goods and Furniture to 450 of JCPenney’s stores. Later in his career, at Bob’s insistence, JCPenney ran one of the country’s first recalls of a defective product, even though this would cost the company money. It was the right thing to do. This led to Bob’s involvement in the creation of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1972.
One of his proudest achievements was his work in developing JCPenney’s comprehensive Statement of Business Ethics – a groundbreaking initiative that earned him the prestigious Benjamin Botwinick Prize in Business Ethics from the Columbia Business School in 1991 for “exemplifying the highest standard of professional and ethical conduct.” Bob’s ethical standards in business, and in life, were unwavering.
Bob’s commitment to business integrity was mirrored by his dedication to his community, particularly in supporting youth development. His time with organizations like the National Junior Achievement, and as Chairman of the National 4-H Council, allowed him to ensure that young people had the guidance and resources to thrive. He also served on numerous boards, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Pace University, Oryx Energy, and Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics.
Despite his professional success, Bob always considered his greatest achievement to be his family. Whether coaching little league, attending his grandchildren’s activities, or hosting family gatherings, he made sure to stay actively involved in their lives. Bob’s love for his family was the driving force throughout his life.
After retiring in 1992, Bob and Barbara moved to Lake Sunapee, NH and Naples, FL, where they enjoyed many happy years golfing, boating, fishing, and hosting family and friends. They had many adventures traveling the world, with Africa and Alaska being highlights.
Throughout it all, Bob maintained a passion for fixing and improving most everything – including his cars, house, and property. He was the ultimate “do-it-yourselfer.” He loved sharing his knowledge of woodworking, hunting, fishing, and boating with his children and grandchildren, and giving tractor rides. He was a man of many talents, deep faith, and rare integrity. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bob is survived by his five children: Richard and Barbara (Williams) Gill of Mountainside, NJ; Patricia (Gill) and Robert Evans of Berkeley Heights, NJ; Thomas and Karen (Sherwood) Gill of Chatham, NJ; Barbara (Gill) and Michael Sgro of Westfield, NJ; and John and Sharon (Grimm) Gill of Chatham, NJ; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, John (Claire) of Convent Station, NJ. He is predeceased by his wife, Barbara (Sire).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5th, from 4-7 pm, at Bradley Funeral Home, 299 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ. A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 6th at 10:00 AM at Corpus Christi Church, 234 Southern Boulevard, Chatham, NJ. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at: https://corpuschristi.org/parish-livestream
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:
The Foundation for Morristown Medical Center
Carol G Simon Cancer Center
310 South Street, 4th Floor
Morristown, NJ 07960
Online (please select Carol G Simon Cancer Center)
