Obituary of Richard Gilliam

Richard D. "Dick" Gilliam died peacefully at his residence in the NJ Veterans Memorial Home on January 9th, 2026, at the age of 94. Richard was a veteran of the Korean War (1951-1953). He was a lifelong Vineland resident, graduated Vineland Highschool and attended Drexel University. He was a Sears and Roebuck service representative for many years until retirement. He was an avid chess enthusiast and a lifelong member of the United States Chess Federation (USCF). His many hobbies included chess, golf, softball, bowling, and vacationing abroad with his wife Minnie, until she passed in 2017. His charming personality, and cheeky wit, made him a "celebrity hit" with all the employees at the Veterans Home. He was also a longtime faithful member of Padre Pio Parish in East Vineland. Richard is predeceased by his parents Raymond and Anne (Dondero) Gilliam; brothers Raymond and Gerald; nephew Fred Gilliam and wife Minnie (Vassallo) Gilliam. He is survived by his sister Joyce (Gilliam) Baruffi, her children Steve (wife Patty), Jim, Richard (wife Betsy), Ray; his nephew Michael Gilliam, and niece Denise (husband Michael) Warakomski; sisters-in-law Elanore (Vassallo) Piedmont, and Judy Vassallo and brother-in-law George Vassallo. and many nephews and nieces as well as great nephews and nieces A funeral home visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17th, from 9:30am to 10:30am at Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ followed by a funeral mass will begin at 11am from Saint Padre Pio Parish - Church Of Our Lady Of Pompeii, 4680 Dante Avenue, Vineland. Interment will be private in Our Lady Of Victories Cemetery, Landisville at a later date. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com