Thomas Henry Gillespie

Thomas Henry "Tom" Gillespie, age 68, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2024 after a courageous 13-year battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, son-in-law, granddad, and friend. Tom was known for his work ethic, pride for his country, and unwavering love for his wife and family.

Tom was born on October 13, 1955 in Medford, Massachusetts to parents Thomas Adrian Gillespie and Adaline Theresa Gillespie. And being from the Boston area, he was a lifelong Red Sox fan. He joined the Air Force at age 19 and later prided himself by earning a position to work in the White House setting up telecommunications for Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush, Sr.. During his years of service, Tom was privileged with the opportunity to travel and see much of the United States and the world (especially during election years). After retiring from the military, he marched on to a second career in telecommunications working for Alcatel, Lucent, Nokia, and finally Ciena.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Adrian Gillespie and Adaline Theresa Gillespie.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Gillespie; his children, Mike Gillespie and Rochelle Gillespie, Chelsea Worrell, Ryan Marsh, and Dustin Marsh; and grandchildren, Elias Quinn, Kennedy Worrell, Brooklyn Worrell, Aubrey Marsh and James Marsh.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held on February 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, TX. A time of visitation will precede the funeral at 1:30. There will be a separate private family burial service on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at DFW National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 1600 Communication Foundation at www.1600commfoundation.org