Obituary of Robert James Gillanders

Robert James Gillanders “Gil” passed away peacefully on November 7th, 2023 with his wife Emilie, at his side. The son of Irish immigrants Catherine Toner Gillanders of Donegal and William James Gillanders of Monaghan, he was born in NYC on June 3rd, 1938.

After high school at St Ann’s Academy in NYC, he attended The College of the Holy Cross graduating in 1960. In 1964 he graduated from Georgetown University Medical School followed by an internship at St Vincent’s Hospital in NYC and a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown. He practiced medicine in Vienna, Virginia from 1968-2007. When asked what kind of medicine he practiced he always answered “the best.” He loved what he did and considered it an honor to assist in bringing new life into the world.

A true renaissance man, he was as comfortable in an art museum as in the operating room. He thought nothing of driving hours to an art show that piqued his interest. His sense of adventure and thirst to keep learning was inspirational. One of his proudest accomplishments was completing the 500 mile hike on the “Camino de Santiago” in Spain, with various members of his family.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years Emilie, son Dr William Gillanders (Jeanne), son Dr Robert Gillanders (Julie), daughter Dr Elizabeth Gillanders, son John Gillanders (Jody) and his sister Diane Donahue. He was predeceased by his daughter Tia Gillanders Garner and his two sisters Gerry Roemer and Cappy Ogrudek. He was a loving grandfather to Emma, Ian, and Teddy Gillanders, William and Emilie Garner, and Jacklyn and Mitch Gillanders.

The family would like to thank the staff of Capital Caring Hospice who cared for Gil, especially his nurse Young, health aide Kwame, and loyal volunteers Marcia and Nikki. In addition, thanks to the wonderful staff at the Adler Center where Gil spent the last few days of his life.

The funeral mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Georgetown on Friday November 17th at 1pm, with visitation beginning at 11:30am

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Capital Caring by clicking here, or a charity of your choice.