Peter F. Gillis Jr.

Peter F. Gillis, Jr., 92, of Granger, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend surrounded by family members.

Born on December 9, 1933, in South Bend, Indiana, Peter was the son of Peter F. Gillis, Sr. and Eleanor (Osborne) Gillis. On February 11, 1956, he married Nancy Ann Coble, who preceded him in death on May 28, 2018. He spent his life devoted to family, faith, hard work, and the community he loved.

Peter was a respected Real Estate Broker and Appraiser his entire life and the owner of Gillis Realty, where he built lasting relationships and helped countless families find homes throughout the area. Known for his warm personality and strong work ethic, he was admired by colleagues and friends alike. He was a member of the South Bend Board of Realtors for over 40 years. Peter was recognized in Who's Who in Business in 1976 and 1977.

He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy; parents; his brother, Ralph Gillis.

Peter is survived by his children: Kathy (Mark) Mossey of Granger, Indiana; Karen (Michael) Nidiffer of Niles, Michigan; Peter F. (Lucinda) Gillis III of Granger; Greg (Chelby) Gillis of Granger; Brian Gillis of Granger; Thomas (Renee) Gillis of Granger and his beloved significant other, Janet Johnson.

He also leaves behind 27 cherished grandchildren: Angela (Zac) Williams, Maria Gillis (Brandon Isakov), Peter F. (Jenna) Gillis IV, Christina Gillis, Maggie Gillis, Katie Gillis, Joey Gillis, Greg (Cara) Gillis Jr., Allie (Quinn) Shannon, Denton Gillis, Chloe Kaminsky, Bella Kaminsky, Gabrielle (Brandon) Frisch, Lauren (Matthew) Gillis Merchant, Christopher (McKenna) Schweizer, Eric Mossey, Alex Mossey, Michael Zultanski, Anna (Brad) Russell, Brittany (Steve) Clark, Matthew (Lydia) Nidiffer, Luke Nidiffer, Jacob Nidiffer, Grant Gillis, Grace Gillis, Ava (Jon) Hall, and Reid Gillis.

Peter was further blessed with 21 great-grandchildren: Dylan, James, Jude, Layla, Peter V, Brooke, Mac, Owen, Oakley, Declan, Maeve, Rosie, Isla, Greg III, Charlotte, Lewis, Brielle, Lily, Logan, Landon, and Beckett.

He is also survived by his sisters, Martha Mary (Aaron) Esrig and Anne McCloskey; his brother-in-law, Thomas Coble; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Peter graduated from South Bend Central High School and later from Indiana University Bloomington, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He was also a two-year rider in the Little 500 bicycle race for SAE. It was at Indiana University that he met Nancy, the love of his life. They were married on February 11, 1956.

After college Peter served in the U.S. Navy. Peter and Nancy lived in Rhode Island for two years while Peter served in the U.S. Navy. After completing his service, the family returned to South Bend.

Peter was a strong supporter of Right to Life, whose office was located next to his, and he was honored as the organization's "Pillar of Life Award" in 2010.

Peter loved to travel and made many trips to Europe, often traveling for three to four weeks at a time. He also enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada, as well as his many trips and drives to Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In recent years, he especially enjoyed cruising in the Caribbean, always sharing these experiences with his family. His Catholic faith has been the center of his life. He has traveled to the Vatican, Medjugorje, Fatima, Lourdes and other shrines and churches. Peter has been an active member of local Catholic churches his whole life, most recently a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger.

He dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending many of their athletic events both locally and nationally. Every Christmas, he made his grandchildren and great-grandchildren the center of attention by gathering them together and reading to them "The Night Before Christmas." He treasured family gatherings especially those at his Indian Lake cottage. These gatherings created many lasting memories with those he loved.

Peter was an avid golfer and enjoyed participating in family-organized outings. He was also a coach and player on the Gillis Realty men's softball team for more than 20 years. In addition, he was recognized as the oldest player participating in the Gus Macker basketball tournament in South Bend. Peter even played for the South Bend Yankees amateur baseball team when the team was short on players.

He also loved volleyball and played on the family team for many years. Basketball games at McKinley School were almost a daily event when he was raising his children, where he played with his children and neighborhood kids. His sons' friends still remember Peter's patented hook shot.

Janet Johnson has been a special friend to Peter for the past 4 years and the family is forever grateful to her.

Peter loved and was loved by so many in our community.

 Visitation for Peter will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Palmer Funeral Homes, Hickey Chapel 17133 Cleveland Rd., South Bend, IN. A rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. prior to visitation.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 1:00 P.M, visitation at noon, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 52553 N. Fir Rd., Granger, IN 46530.

Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Peter will be remembered for his kindness, devotion to faith and family, and the example he set through a life well lived.

Memorials may be made to Right to Life Michiana, 2004 Ironwood Cir, South Bend, IN 46635 Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.