Cleo Gillit, 91, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Cazilia B. Gillit. 

   He also is survived by his children; Cleo Gillit Jr. (Sherry), Brian Gillit, and Sandra Apuan, his step- children: Elfride Mullin (Jim) and Romana Shelton (Tim), his grandchildren; Aimee Mohrhauser (Mitchell), Rev. Ashley Maldonado (Andrew), Mark Gillit Jr., Jason Swafford, and Adam Swafford, as well as his many great and great-great grandchildren. Cleo is also survived by his siblings: Elsie Medeiros, Frances Henson, Linda Andujo, Lenord Lile, Walter Lile, Carolyn Gillit, and Charlie Gillit. 

   Cleo was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Gillit and Verna Ellison, his twin brother Clifford Gillit, his son Mark Gillit Sr., his grandson Sgt. Matthew Apuan, and his younger brother Calvin Gillit. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him. 

   A Celebration of Life will be held on August 27, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at Community Praise Tabernacle, 3208 Stanislaus St. Riverbank, Ca. 95367. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of the scholarships set up in Cleo’s name or to his local church. Contact Ashley for

information of how to make donations at 209-484-7567.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Saturday, May 31, 2025