Michael G Gill

Granby- Michael "Mike" Gerard Gill, 66, passed away peacefully in his home on October 17, 2025 surrounded by his loving family after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on November 14, 1958 in Boston to the late John and Anna “Betty” (MacDonald) Gill.

Mike was raised in North Quincy where he developed the passion for sports that would define his professional life. After graduating from North Quincy High School, where he played basketball and was later inducted into the NQHS Athletic Hall of Fame, he attended Fitchburg State College and earned a degree in Elementary and Physical Education. As a member of FSC’s Fenwick Society, he developed lifelong friendships with his fraternity brothers. Also while attending FSC he met Gerri, the love of his life. There was never a doubt in Mike’s mind that she was “the one” and they were married September 11, 1982.

Born to be an educator and coach, Mike taught physical education for thirty years in the Holyoke Public Schools and ended his teaching career at Blessed Sacrament and Mater Dolorosa schools. He coached many years of youth sports with the Granby Athletic Association and St. Pat’s CYO basketball programs. He coached high school girls’ basketball at Dean Tech, Granby and Southwick. His most recent coaching was with the Unified Basketball and Track teams at Northampton High School. With his motivational speeches and compassionate heart, he influenced and inspired countless students and athletes over the past 36 years.After starting their family, Mike and Gerri planted their roots in Granby, MA for their greatest adventure: raising their children, Brendan and Courtney.

The epitome of the “fun dad”, he kept life entertaining by turning everything into a game and always being the first to jump in the pool. He would later amuse his family with short and sweet reviews on the latest movie he watched or whatever new food he had tried. He invented the cherished tradition of Friday Pizza Night, where his loved ones would gather each week. Simply put, Mike was a gem of a person. With his welcoming and curious spirit, he made friends everywhere he went and left an indelible mark on anyone that met him. He was a diehard New England sports fan, always donning a Celtics, Red Sox, Patriots or Bruins hat or tee. Over the years, he made multiple memorable trips to Hampton Beach, Ogunquit’s Marginal Way, and of course Disney World. He loved his pets and was a big believer in “cat therapy”.

His favorite place was the ocean, feeling that salt water heals everything.  But above all, Mike loved his family. For 43 magical years he was married to his best friend. Blessed to see his children marry their spouses and welcome his first grandchild. Nothing made him happier than spending time with the most special people in his world. Up until the end, Mike maintained his kindness, humor and appreciation for the little joys in life (especially Coca-Cola). While his passing has left a void in our hearts, he certainly embodied the adage of a life well-lived.

May his memory be a blessing and inspire us to enjoy the simple things in life as he did. Mike is survived by his wife Geralyn (Lacoste) Gill, son Brendan Gill and wife Helen, daughter Courtney Kozlak and husband Dan with grandson Walker. He leaves brothers John Gill (Diane) and Paul Gill. He also leaves his mother-in-law Peggy Lacoste; sisters-in-law Denise Fitzell (Fran), Lisa Methot (Bob), and Amy Lacoste; brothers-in-law Tony Lacoste, Joe Lacoste, Peter Lacoste (Kelli), Eric Lacoste (Natalie), and Dan Lacoste; along with numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister Kathleen King and father-in-law Richard Lacoste.

As a way to honor Mike, feel free to wear Disney attire or something that represents your favorite sports team during the visitation hours. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 2-5pm at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held the following morning at 11am at St. Patrick's Church in South Hadley. Family and friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home at 10am for our funeral procession. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Northampton High School Athletics- Memo: in memory of Mike/Unified Sports or The Jimmy Fund.