Dr. William Benjamin Gillette

William B. Gillette of Indianapolis was born in Toledo, Ohio, on November 28, 1931 and died at home on September 24, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert S. and Miriam D. Gillette and his brother, Robert D. Gillette. William is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia L. Gillette, nieces Margaret G. Ahrens and Linda G. Downs, nephew David R. Gillette, and family friend Laura Goetz. He is also survived by eight great nieces and nephews.

William was a graduate of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and received his DDS from The Ohio State University. In 1957, he and Virginia were married at Washington Congregational Church in Toledo, Ohio, and began their long and loving years together.

After serving in the Army as a dentist, William established a private practice in Waterville, Ohio. He received graduate education in periodontology at New York University and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Manhattan. In 1967, he and Virginia came to Indianapolis to establish a residency program in periodontics at the Roudebush VA Hospital and to teach at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, which he continued even after his retirement in 1999. He was an active member of various professional and honorary societies throughout his career.

Following Bill’s retirement, he participated in various aspects of church life. He was also involved with mission trips at home and abroad, provided respite care as a hospice volunteer, and gave his time to a number of local charitable organizations. Bill was known for his compassion and good humor, and he was always ready to help anyone, friend or stranger, without a moment’s hesitation. His interests and talents were as broad as he was modest about them. Bill’s life was one of service to others, and he truly made a difference in the world.

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 7171 N. Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, Ind., 46240, on Friday, October 28, at 1:00 pm. Memorial gifts may be sent to the First Congregational Church or the Humane Society (IndyHumane, 7929 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 (indyhumane.org).