Collin Sean Gillespie

Our beloved Collin Sean Gillespie,23, left us all too soon on August 18, 2024, in Scottsdale, AZ. He was the cherished son of John & Rebecca. He was the best brother in the world to Gavin and Quinn and a very fond cousin and nephew of several. He was a treasured friend to all who knew him and truly a best friend to many.
The origin of his lifelong friendships began at Onahan Elementary in his neighborhood. He felt blessed to have been raised in such a great community.
Collin graduated from Loyola Academy in 2019. He forged many lasting friendships there. Collin enjoyed playing football and commoradarie for two years, but baseball was his passion. He was a Varsity letter winner in baseball as a pitcher and thoroughly enjoyed his teammates and the entire experience. In addition, he took pleasure in playing travel baseball for several years with many of the same great friends.
Collin proudly graduated from University of Missouri in 2023 with a degree in Business Management. There he found himself more wonderful friends through SigmaNu and Mizzou overall.
Last summer, Collin headed out west for his post-grad job and a whole new adventure. Naturally, he gained more fantastic friendships in Scottsdale. He became an esteemed colleague at USI Insurance Services in Phoenix and was recently promoted to Senior Account Representative. He enjoyed the contests, team building outings, and philanthropy there.
Collin was a devoted Cubs and Bears fan. He also loved watching college football and basketball and UFC. He was thrilled when the Cubs won the World Series and absolutely celebrated all the games leading up to it. He was really excited about Mizzou football since their Cotton Bowl title last year and the upcoming Bears season, of course.
Collin also enjoyed playing softball, golf, frisbee golf and bowling. He grew up at our camping resort and loved frog hunting, fishing, boating, golf cart rides, horseshoes, playing bags and swimming in both the lake and pool there and at home. He loved bringing his friends up to our camper and a good bonfire. He had recently been exploring some of the beautiful Phoenix area trails and gotten more involved with cooking and grilling. He was a huge dog lover and already had the name Banks picked out for his future dog.
Collin was a man of MANY nicknames, but Coll was usually the most trusty term of endearment for him. His smile could light up any room and he will forever be remembered as a complete and utter joy to be around in any setting. May his laugh forever ring in our ears.
Collin is predeceased by Jay Gates, Diane Teppo, Katrina Samsela, Tori Neumann, James Gillespie and Nancy Gillespie.
Collin is survived by John & Rebecca Gillespie, Gavin and Quinn Gillespie, Josephine Gillespie, many cousins, aunts, uncles and countless dear friends.
A Celebration of Life for Collin will be held: Saturday, September 7 5-11 p.m. Irish American Heritage Center 4626 N. Knox Ave. Chicago, IL 60630 *Please wear Cubs or Bears colors or attire.
In lieu of flowers, love and take care of yourselves and each other and please consider donating to any of these great causes: afsp.chicagowalk.org calsangels.org Keshet.org