I am not sure how many of our members will remember George Gillerman. George was the longest-serving and oldest active member of the St. Louis Rotary Club when he died Wednesday May 26, 2010, at 93. George joined Rotary in 1949 and remained active in the Club for the rest of his life. He was president of Club 11 in 1991-1992 and was District Governor in 1994-1995, overseeing 62 clubs in then District 6050.
Born on November 23, 1916, to Gus and Sophie Gillerman, George was a St. Louis native. He was the youngest of 4 children. For all you St. Louisans, George graduated from Soldan High School. He earned a B.A. in Political Science at Washington University in 1937. After college, he joined his father’s business, Gus Gillerman Iron and Metal Company.
In 1987, at age 13, Georges father Gus Gillerman, a Polish immigrant, came to St. Louis on his own. His sister was living here with her husband. Gus initially worked in the clothing industry but after a few years decided scrap iron was a better choice. His business operated a scrap metal yard and “brokerage for the purchasing, processing and sales of ferrous metals for remelting purposes” as stated in an 1965 Pepper Box ad. Gus was a Club 11 member as well joining Rotary in 1948 and remaining active until his death in 1970
George served in the Army in World War II. After the war, he rejoined the family business and took it over when his father retired in 1967. At one point, George ran three businesses: Gillerman Iron and Steel, Gillerman Steel Trading and Gillerman Iron and Metal. In 1996 at 80, George finally sold the businesses when he decided it was time to retire.
Those of us who were George’s fellow members remember him as a generous and thoughtful person. He epitomized all of Rotary’s values and showed concern for all. George was known for his gift of gab. I spent many hours with him discussing Rotary and Club 11. He was never without an opinion which could, if he was given time, span hours. I remember what his wife Skip would say; “George if you have a point, get to it”.
Fellowship is the glue that binds Rotarians and is the force which allows us to “do good in the World”. George Gillerman was as great example of Rotary’s motto, “Service above Self”. Those of us who knew him certainly benefited from his friendship.
By Rick Tinucci