Beloved Greenwich Teacher Passes Away At 59

GREENWICH, CT — Kimberly Orrico Gillick, a beloved wellness educator at Greenwich High School, passed away Tuesday while vacationing in Vermont. She leaves behind a legacy of nearly 30 years working in various positions within the Greenwich Public Schools system.

In her most recent job at Greenwich High, Gillick taught students skills necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, according to her obituary. During that time, she oversaw numerous intramural activities and after-school sports programs, both as an educator and a coach.

She was also active in the Greenwich Education Association, Greenwich Athletic Association and the Greenwich Old Timer's Association, supporting youth sports and student athletes.

"Greenwich Public Schools was deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Kimberly Gillick, a long-serving teacher for GPS who was just beginning her 28th year," Superintendent Toni Jones said in an emailed statement to Patch. "Our thoughts are with her family during this difficult time."

Jones said the entire faculty honored Gillick's memory with a moment of silence during a convocation Friday morning.

Born on March 6, 1960, to Peter J. Orrico Sr. and Eleanor Castronovo Orrico, Gillick was a lifelong resident of Greenwich, where she attended public schools and graduated from Greenwich High in 1978. She earned her bachelor's degree at Western Connecticut State University and her master's degree from the University of Bridgeport.

Gillick had a strong passion for organic gardening and took many classes in the tri-state area, for which she earned a master gardener's certification. She spent hours mushrooming and tending to her vegetable gardens and flower beds. Though she loved cooking, nature walks and the local beaches, her happiest moments were always spent with her family.

Gillick is survived by her husband of 34 years, Kevin Gillick of Riverside, son Kevin Gillick, Jr. of Stamford, daughter Kristina of Charlotte, N.C., son Kaelan of Worcester, Mass., son Kyle of Riverside, and grandchildren Kaedan Joseph and Kaya Deborah of Riverside. She is also survived by her parents Peter and Eleanor Orrico of Cos Cob, sister Deborah Orrico Chonka and husband Bradford of Old Greenwich, brother Peter Orrico and wife Marketta of Stamford, and brother Patrick and wife Monica of Woodstock, Ga., along with numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A wake is set to take place Sunday, August 25 at Castiglione Funeral Home (544 Old Post Rd #3, Greenwich) from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, August 26 at St. Catherine's of Siena Church (4 Riverside Avenue, Riverside) at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery (399 North Street, Greenwich).

Memorial contributions may be made to the Greenwich Athletic Association, the Greenwich Audubon Society or a charity of one's choice.

A full obituary is available at the Castiglione Funeral Home website.