Community Mourns Beloved Teacher, Coach

GREENPORT, NY — Hearts are broken in Greenport Saturday as news spreads that a beloved teacher and coach passed away Friday.

Gary Lillis, a science and health teacher and baseball coach at Greenport High School who also taught driver's education, was remembered Saturday by the scores of students and friends whose lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and caring spirit.

"He was a teacher and a friend. We all trusted him. We knew he cared," Danielle Harrison-Meraz told Patch. "I'm so blessed that my kids had him, too. Another great guy gone. He will be so missed."

She added, "He was a gentle man. And a gentleman."

Patty Hocker agreed, speaking with Patch Saturday. "He was just one of the kindest, gentlest people I've ever known. He always had a smile for everyone. He was always willing to take the time to talk to the students and keep up with what was going on with them or just share a funny story. Probably the thing most recent in my memory is the fact that he was at every Greenport High School All Class Reunion as a greeter so he would have the chance to see everyone as that came."

Just this past July, Lillis and his beaming smile was onhand to greet the steady stream of students who arrived at the Greenport High School All Class Reunion, held at the Fifth Street Park.

Added Jill Franke, "He was a very loved teacher for many years in Greenport School, and a friend."

On Facebook, she wrote, "One of my favorite sayings From Mr. Gary Lillis was, 'If you can drive through Greenport Village in the middle of summer, you deserve a driver's license.' Missing you already! Rest peacefully, my friend."

Southold Town Councilman Jim Dinizio said, "He was a true gentleman and had patience of a saint. A great teacher."

Others turned to social media to express their heartbreak. Alethia Ford wrote, "To my teacher, colleague, and friend. You will truly be remembered for the thousands of lives you touched! Thank you for all that you have done for me! God had gained another angel! RIP!"

Also on Facebook, Charles Bumble III wrote, "Rest well and rejoice amongst those whom have gone before you. My friend, teacher, and mentor. One day we will meet again in the halls and share tales of adventure and joy."

Others shared their memories of Lillis in driver's ed, making the experience fun, but with a "safety first" stance. Always, they said, he remembered to ask about students and about their families, friends said.

Many remembered his ready smile, his sense of humor, and his love of education and the students whose lives he shaped.

"I will never forget your jokes in science class. An amazing teacher and person, a great loss. All of Greenport will miss you. Rest In peace," wrote Rebecca Jensen.

Added Katie Johnson, "Mr. Lillis was one of the best teachers out there. He really, truly cared about his students, and was such a fun, easygoing guy. You could always go to him with any issues and he'd be there for you, no matter what. Rest in peace, Gary Lillis. All of your students loved you so much."

Photo of Mr. Lillis with Danielle Harrison-Meraz at the last Greenport High School All-Class Reunion in July, courtesy of Danielle-Harrison-Meraz.

If you'd like to share your thoughts and memories of Gary Lillis for a full tribute story planned for Patch, please email Lisa.Finn@patch.com.