John S. Gilich

John Steven Gilich, a fisherman, soldier, educator, mentor and a lifelong member of the Gig Harbor community, passed away June 9, 2024, just shy of his 96th birthday. He was born in Gig Harbor on July 12, 1928, to Anton and Vinka Gilich.

John grew up in Gig Harbor among the Croatian families as part of the Croatian fishing community. John was very proud of his Croatian heritage and his love for Gig Harbor was profound. He spent over half a century watching the vibrancy and growth of his hometown.

His family, along with Austin Richardson, built the Peninsula Hotel located in downtown Gig Harbor in 1924 and is still family owned, housing a variety of restaurants and businesses throughout the years. He graduated from Peninsula High School and is an alumni of University of Washington.

He served in the Army and was sent to Korea in 1950. He worked at Boeing prior to becoming a high school educator and counselor. In 1975 he married Georgene “Jean” Baldasare and was married for thirty-five years.

John was a member of Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, his faith being a guiding light throughout his life.

John is survived by his nephews, Ken (Toni) Harkey, John (Karen) Harkey, great niece Lindsey (Garrett) Shelp, great great nieces and nephews, as well as Daniel and Barbara Andrews who will all continue to honor his legacy. He is preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Vinka Gilich, wife Georgene Gilich, brother in law Ken Harkey Sr, sister Sonja Gilich Harkey and great nephew Christopher Harkey.

The celebration of John’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 11 a.m. PDT at the Haven of Rest Funeral Home, Crematory, and Memorial Park, located at 8503 Washington 16, Gig Harbor, Washington, 98332.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank or the Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation.