Pastor R. Gordon Spiller
PORTLAND – Pastor R. Gordon Spiller, 73, of Portland, N.Y., passed away peacefully on the evening of Dec. 24, 2021, at St. Vincent Health Center in Erie, Pa. following a brief illness.
Gordon was born Oct. 26, 1948, in Olean, N.Y., the son of the late Alvin and Faye (Gleason) Spiller.
His Christian character was evident at the young age of 14 when he was awarded the “Youth of the Year” award covering all of Western New York and Western Pennsylvania. He received his New York State Diploma from Jamestown High School in 1967 and this would only be the beginning. He completed his undergraduate degree at Lancaster Bible College. Additionally, he attended Houghton College and Oral Roberts University, completing a Masters of Divinity. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate and was an ordained minister. He led a life and career filled with serving his Lord and touching the many lives that came along with it. He had pastored for 31 years with the Portland Congregational Church in Portland, N.Y., returning there following being the senior pastor from 1971-77. Gordon co-pastored for 20 years at The Tabernacle, a 7,000-member Mega Church in Orchard Park, he taught several bible and ministry related courses each semester at the Buffalo School of the Bible. He had been a member of the Chautauqua County department of mental health committee assisting with the adult task force. Gordon served on several additional commit-tees with Brocton Central School and had been fire chaplain with the Portland Volunteer Fire Department.
When Gordon found time, he enjoyed tennis, racquet ball, golf, roller skating, traveling, camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, astronomy, reading and listening to a wide variety of music. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family and church family.
Gordon is survived by his wife of three years, Denise,; his daughter, Ginger (the late Robert) Johnson; his sons: the Rev. James Spiller, Jonathan (Kris) Spiller, Joshua Spiller, Jason (Amanda) Spiller and Troy Bobelak; nine grandchildren; and siblings: Jeannie (David) Abbey and Ron (Lois) Spiller.
In addition to his parents, Gordon was preceded in death by his first wife, Cheryl L. Spiller; an infant son Jerome Spiller; and his brother, Fred Spiller.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, from 1-3 p.m., at the MORSE FUNERAL HOME, 51 Highland Ave., Brocton, N.Y. (Masks must be worn).
A memorial service will be held and announced by the funeral home in a few weeks.
Memorial contributions in honor of Gordon can be made to the Portland Congregational Church or to the Boy’s J.I.M Club at 8649 Church St., Portland, NY 14769.
To leave Gordon’s family a condolence or share a story, log on to; www. themorsefuneralhome.com