Thomas James Gillespie III

GILLESPIE THOMAS JAMES III
July 18, 1924-March 9, 2009 Age 84 passed away suddenly on March 9th, 2009, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was the son of the late Thomas J. Gillespie, Jr. and Louise Succop Gillespie. He is survived by his wife Gladys Killmeyer Gillespie and his four children Thomas J. Gillespie, IV (Christine), Carolyn Raetzke (Dennis), Louise Cannon (David) and David M. Gillespie (Patricia). He is also survived by ten grandchildren: TJ Gillespie, Kurt Gillespie, Jeffrey Gillespie, Brad Raetzke (Calley), Todd Raetzke, Alison Raetzke, Brian Cannon (Katie), Kevin Cannon, David Cannon and Jeremy Gillespie and one great-granddaughter Claire Raetzke. He was predeceased by his first wife Carolyn McIntyre Gillespie in 1998. He is also survived by Eileen Killmeyer (Rick-deceased), Karen Patterson (John), Scott Killmeyer, Stacie Lowery (Mike), Jan DeMartini (Nick) and six grandchildren. Tom grew up in the City of Pittsburgh, attended Shady Side Academy, graduated from Deerfield Academy and graduated from Princeton University. He served as a combat soldier in the European theater in World War II. He was known by his friends as "Mean Tom" because of his good natured and amiable manner on the golf course. He spent his entire working career at Lockhart Iron & Steel Co. (now The Lockhart Company), succeeding his father as President in 1968 and retiring in 1989 at age 65. He served as a member of the Lockhart Board of Directors for over 50 years. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Union National Bank, Integra, Bennett Supply Company and Mellon-Stuart Company. Tom was a dedicated leader of the YMCA of Pittsburgh, starting in 1951 as a member of the Board of Management of what was then known as the Golden Triangle YMCA. During his tenure as a volunteer for the YMCA, he served on the Metro Board of Directors from 1975 through 1996 and served as a member of the YMCA Board of Trustees from 1976 until his death. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1983 to 2002. He passed on his love for the Y and its camps to his children and grandchildren. He was active with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA, taking part in the consolidation of the organization into one organization in the 1970's. He served on the Board of Directors from its inception until his death. He was awarded the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's highest volunteer award. He served on the Board of Directors of the Gifford Youth Activities Center in Vero Beach since 1999. He was a former member of the Duquesne Club (serving on its Board of Directors from 1976-1979), The Pittsburgh Golf Club, and Longue Vue Country Club. At his death, he was a member of the Butler Country Club, Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club and Bent Pine Golf Club. He was a lifelong Presbyterian growing up in the Central Shadyside United Presbyterian Church, later joining Shadyside Presbyterian Church. He was always active in the church giving both of his time and treasure. He will truly be missed by all who knew him and were touched by his quiet kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hosanna Industries, 109 Rinard Lane, Rochester, PA 15074 or the LightHouse, 1302 East Cruikshank Rd., Butler, PA 16002. Friends will be received JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC., 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street on Friday March 13th from 2-4PM and 7-9PM. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church at 1PM. AT THE REQUEST OF THE FAMILY, EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Interment following in the Homewood Cemetery.
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