Memorial Bench in Honor of Bob Gillis

More than 100 Winthropites braved the freezing temperatures on January 21, as they gathered at Lewis Lake to dedicate a memorial bench in honor of the late Bob Gillis. That day was the first anniversary of Bob’s death at the age of 59.  Born and raised in Winthrop, he was the unofficial town historian and was known to all as “The Mayor.”

Bob had worked as concierge at the Seal Harbor condominiums. He was a skilled and enthusiastic genealogist. His frequent online postings titled “This Day in History” featured old photographs, local lore, and the backstories of many properties and locations. He even made an appearance on “The Dead Files,” a television series that delves into a place’s obscure past and any unusual or paranormal activities that happened there. The plaque on the bench reads, in part, “Come sit with me for a ‘Morning Chuckle’ and reflect on ‘This Day in History.’”  Following the dedication ceremony officiated by Karen Mustone, who administers the Winthrop High School Memorial Wall on Facebook, the group crossed the street for a celebration of Bob’s life at Elks Lodge #1078, where Bob was a lifetime member.