The Howard E. Gillette Scholarship Endowment Fund was created by the family and friends of Dr. Gillette at the time of his passing. It received further funding upon receipt of a bequest from his estate.
Dr. Howard Gillette (1915-2008) was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was a graduate of East Aurora High School, North Central College and the University of Illinois College of Dentistry.
After completing his residency in Oral Surgery at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, he spent three years in the United States Air Force.
In 1947, he started his Oral Surgery practice in Aurora. He retired in 1982.
Dr. Gillette also taught at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and Loyola College of Dentistry.
His extraordinary interest in world travel developed when he served as a tour escort for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in the summers of 1939-1941.
Dr. Gillette also was a sports enthusiast, competing in track during his high school and college years. He then took up golf which became a lifelong passion.
He also was an avid fan of all Chicago sports teams and, as his family observed, he died knowing that his beloved Cubs were in first place.
In addition to his memberships in professional associations, he served on numerous boards of community and civic organizations, including the West Aurora School District 129 Board of Education, American Red Cross – Aurora Chapter, American Cancer Society, Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Aurora National Bank.
Dr. Gillette was a member of the board of directors of the Community Foundation for twenty-two years. He also served as a senior or emeritus director for seven years.
Scholarships from Dr. Gillette’s fund are available to graduates of East Aurora and West Aurora High School for attendance at North Central College.
