Robert W. Gilliard, Jr.

Robert W. Gilliard Jr. was born on April 20, 1951, in Trenton, NJ, to the late Robert Walter Gilliard Sr. and Marian Elizabeth Gilliard.

Surrounded by his loving family, Mr. Gilliard passed away on November 23, 2025, at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after a short illness at the age of 74.

Mr. Gilliard was educated in the Hamilton Township Public Schools. In addition, he was elected vice president of his 1969 graduating class at Steinert High School, where he graduated with honors. He was a Boys State candidate for Steinert High School in 1968, during his 11th grade year.

He was affectionately known by his family members and friends as “Junie.”

Mr. Gilliard continued his education and graduated from Livingston College (now Rutgers University) with a bachelor of arts in political science.

His career path encompassed roles at C.V. Hills, the now-defunct U.S. Steel, and the Trenton Board of Education, from which he would retire after years of dedicated public service.

Mr. Gilliard was known to be a hard worker, an advocate for higher education, and a mentor for countless youth. He also worked for the Mercer County Upward Bound Program and accompanied the youth on college-bound visits.

In his free time, he loved rooting for his New York Giants, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Mr. Gilliard was a dedicated member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated Lambda Lambda Sigma Chapter and worked faithfully with the Sigma Beta Club, a youth auxiliary group. In addition, he was an avid book reader and collected sports memorabilia.

Mr. Gilliard was first vice president of the Urban League Guild of Union County, Trenton Chapter, and served on many committees, dedicating himself to planning the annual Gentlemen’s Ball, a yearly celebration honoring young men of color from Mercer County.

Mr. Gilliard was a faithful member of Union Baptist Church in Trenton, NJ, under the leadership of Rev. Simeon D. Spencer. As part of his fellowship, he was a member of the Men’s Ministry and a chaplain for the Missionary Ministry.

Mr. Gilliard is predeceased by his mother, Marian Elizabeth Gilliard, and his father, Robert Walter Gilliard Sr. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Janice Gilliard; a daughter, Deonka McDaniel; two sons, Jamon and James; four brothers, Carl (Irene), Charles, Arnold, and Clifford; one sister, Colleen; three brothers-in-law, Joseph (Jonette), Lutfee (Raushanah), and Samuel (Rukiya); three sisters-in-law, Jane (Eddie), Regina (Alphonso), and the late Theresa; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. His best friends were Calbert “Sonny” Molder, Bobby Gueh, and Robert “Bob” Montgomery. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.

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