John J. Gillespie

John Gillespie, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on December 19, 2025. He was born on July 10, 1956, the 4th of what would be a total of 9 children born to Bill and Mary Gillespie. John was immediately followed by sibling number 5 when his twin sister, Joy, was born.

John spent his early years in Shelby Township and moved to Bailey Street in Romeo in 1969. He graduated from Romeo High School in 1974. It was there that he met Sue Krause and they became high school sweethearts, marrying in 1977.

John’s early years of work included time as a furniture repair and delivery man for Towne Furniture of Utica, Michigan, apprentice mortician, welder and then he finally found his career path at L & L Products in 1986, when his good friend, John Ligon, asked if he would come and work for his company.

John served in many capacities at L & L, and eventually landed in what was then the newly created position of plant service representative. It was here that he found his niche in being able to work directly with the customer to troubleshoot parts and find and implement solutions. He went the extra mile to look for additional opportunities for the company whenever he could and he was credited with over 40 patents issued in his name. He retired in 2023 after 37 years of service to the company.

Outside of work, John loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and loved fishing. He got to enjoy hunting and fishing in Montana and Alaska, but his favorite place to be was in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

As a man who could fix just about anything, John’s other passion was working with wood. He has created many beautiful pieces for his home and he loved to share projects with his friends and family. He became quite a successful furniture maker in his years after retirement.

John is survived by his wife, Sue, whom he loved to call “the love of my life.” Having met in 1969 and becoming high school sweethearts, they got to spend 53 years together. He is also survived by his son, Tony, (Erin) and their daughter, Carinne, who live in Washington Township, and his son, Daniel, (Barbara), and their children, Christopher, Charlotte, Olivia and Madelyn, who live in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was predeceased by his most beloved daughter, Jamie Danielle, in 2003.

John will be deeply missed by his family and his friends, but his memory will continue on in the many lives of people he has touched over the years.

A memorial visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home. A memory share will take place at 4:00 PM.