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GILLESPIE
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John GILLESPIE
GILLESPIE
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John GILLESPIE

Rev. Deacon John Marshall GILLESPIE

Rev. Deacon John Marshall GILLESPIE obituary, Thorold, ON

FUNERAL HOME

Haine Funeral Home & Chapel

26 Ormond Street South

Thorold, Ontario

John GILLESPIE Obituary

Passed away peacefully at home with his family all around him on Monday, September 20, 2021, at the age of 82. Loving husband and best friend of Agnes for 59 years. John was a proud and loving father of John (Theresa), Ken, Laura (Dennis) Mullins. Proud grandfather of Mike (Alexia), Luke Mullins (Ryleigh), Nolan. Uncle of Kathy, Scott, Bradley, Troy (Kim), Mathew (Erin), Meaghan (Jason) Amari. Predeceased by sisters Marilyn (Bob) Jackson, Anne White, brother Gord, brother-in-law Paul 'Sweet Bum' McArdle and survived by sisters-in-law Magda Gillespie and Marilyn McArdle. John worked 40 years for Abitibi/Fraser Paper Co. He was a volunteer firefighter for 15 years with Protection Hose Co. #1. After his retirement, he started back to school for four years to become a Deacon with the Catholic Church and was assigned to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church. His ministry that he loved so much was with shut-ins and long term care at the Welland Hospital. John's last few years were filled with battling cancer. There were many friends that helped him during this time whose love and care brought comfort to him and Agnes. Then there was Ryleigh who ensured that John got all the care and support that was available and more importantly was a thoughtful, caring, loving granddaughter. Thanks to St. Elizabeth Nurses with a great big thanks to special nurses Babes and Jennifer. Momentous thanks to Anna DeDivitis, an exceptional friend. There was the much appreciated unfailing friendship of Lanson Hunt who was with him to his last day. The family will receive friends at the HAINE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 26 Ormond Street South, Thorold on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church (21 Queen St. S., Thorold) on Friday, September 24th at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow. (Face masks and social distancing mandatory) In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church or St. Vincent DePaul Society would be appreciated by the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Catharines Standard from Sep. 22 to Sep. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for John GILLESPIE

Not sure what to say?

11 Entries

Helaine (Legros) Dietrich

April 20, 2022

Just found John´s obituary.
Please accept my condolences Agnes. I´ve thought of you many times over the years. Fond remembrance of our business college days and having the honour to be in your wedding. Yvonne, her sister Mary, Joan, Karen and I are all widows now ourselves.
I did write you after my husband Charles passed away December 9th, 2020. Not sure if you received it but now realize at that time you were busy caring for John.
I hope life for you since John´s has not been too difficult for you.
Love, Helaine

Rachele Packwood and Family

September 27, 2021

So very sad to hear of John's passing. Our heartfelt condolences! He was such an inspiration to be around! May God grant him eternal rest and peace! Agnes our prayers are with you and all your family as well. May God give you strength and peace.

Cristina Carbone & family

September 23, 2021

Agnes & family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing
of Deacon John. May he rest in peace and may perpetual light
shine upon him.
Cristina Carbone & Anna Neufeld & families

Chris Savoia

September 23, 2021

On behalf of Josephine and the Savoia family, I want to extend condolences to the entire Gillespie family. May John rest in peace.

Betty Robbins

September 22, 2021

John was well known as a gentle giant as he drove his Harley-Davidson down Pine Street. He was always happy with a wave and a smile on his face. I am very proud to have known John as an old friend and a Deacon, and to have seen the love between he and Agnes. Please accept my sincere condolences at his passing. My prayers are with your entire family. Sincerely, Betty Tatarnic (friend)

Gerry Michaud

September 22, 2021

I have not had contact with Agnes or Paul for too many years. As a boy we lived next door to Catherine and Tony on Ann St and my parents and I were friends of Catherine, John's mother in law for many years. I extend sympathies to Agnes and Paul on the loss of a loved one.

Deacon Gunther and Jan Eyer

September 22, 2021

We express our condolences to Agnes and the Gillespie family. May our loving God now care for our diaconate brother Deacon John, just as he had cared for us and so many others. We keep the extended family and the repose of the soul of Deacon John in our prayers.

Tellie Ronning

September 22, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Sincere condolences to all of the Gillespie family. I have wonderful memories growing up and hanging out with all of you especially my good friend Laura.
Thoughts and prayers
Tellie Ronning

Jim Stokes

September 22, 2021

I’ve wondered the last few years how John was. I met John on the side of Merrittville highway one day when he had run out of gas with his motorcycle. ( I too am a motorcyclist) I went home to Fonthill and picked up my gas can and returned with enough to get him home. He gave me his card, we chatted on the side of the road and I recognized what a wonderful man he was. Again I have wondered how he was various times. I regret I didn’t call him since I did keep his card.
Rest In Peace my motorcycling friend.
Jim Stokes, Fonthill

Victor and Lena La Fratta

September 22, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Deacon Tony Ruta

September 21, 2021

I met John and Agnes during my formation for the diaconate in the Diocese of St. Catharines. We had frequent contact at meetings and during my formation years. He was always someone that was approachable and empathetic. Mat God grant him a place at the Lord's banquet. May He give Agnes and family comfort in the weeks and months ahead. Rest in peace Deacon John.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Memorial Events
for John GILLESPIE

Sep

23

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Haine Funeral Home & Chapel

26 Ormond Street South, Thorold, ON L2V 1Y4

Sep

23

Visitation

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Haine Funeral Home & Chapel

26 Ormond Street South, Thorold, ON L2V 1Y4

Sep

24

Liturgy

11:00 a.m.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church

21 Queen St. S., Thorold, ON

Funeral services provided by:

Haine Funeral Home & Chapel

26 Ormond Street South, Thorold, ON L2V 1Y4