William Michael Gillespie
William Michael Gillespie
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William began his working career at Autocar Trucks in Exton and eventually retired as a yardmaster for Norkfolk Southern, ending his career doing what he loved the most, working with the railroad. His favorite pastime was trains, and he enjoyed trips across the country to enjoy his hobby.
Serving for many years as President of the Roboda Homeowner's Association, William was proud of the association's accomplishments. Because of his greenthumb, he handled much of their gardening and planted many of the community's daffodils, which bloom beautifully each spring.
William loved spending time with his friends and family, enjoying going out to meet friends for breakfast and family for dinner, but most importantly, he loved the time spent with his granddaughter. He loved to cook and especially enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas, when everyone raved about his famous potato stuffing, which no one can match and will be deeply missed. Despite his burley appearance, William was a gentle soul, who had a heart of gold and enjoyed making people smile.
In addition to his loving wife, William is survived by his children, Laura A., wife of Chris Geyer and Michael F. Gillespie; granddaughter: Genevieve Geyer; and siblings: Robert Gillespie and Therese, wife of James Squadrito.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his memorial service on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Main Street at Fifth Avenue, Phoenixville. Officiating will be Deacon David Kubczak. Interment will follow in the Limerick Garden of Memories. Friends will be received from 10:00 -11:00 am at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made in William's name to National Railway Historical Society, 505 South Lenola Road, Suite 226, Moorestown, N.J. 08057, https://secure.nrhs.com/forms/giving.
Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michelle Peasley
February 26, 2024
I live in Roboda and just a few summers ago, in 2022, I would sit and talk with Bill on the benches close to his house. He liked my dog, Duncan and Duncan loved saying hello to Bill. Yes, my dog basically introduced me to Bill. I quickly began looking forward to seeing and chatting with Bill. He gave me some great advice about Roboda and HOA but also had the best stories about his kids, his granddaughter, working on trains, and his extensive train collection. I wish we could have had more conversations and a very sorry for the family´s loss.
Cindy Doukas
February 26, 2024
OMG! This is the first I'm learning of this! Underneath his gruff talk, this man was the kindest person. When I moved into Roboda, he was there to offer his help, being a recently divorced woman I sure needed all the guidance I could get! This news has brought tears to my eyes.I am going to miss this man so much, I wish I had known sooner bc I would've been at his service. Rest in peace Bill, I don't think Roboda will ever be the same without you. Sending prayers to his family.
Jennifer
February 12, 2024
Bill was a patient at the dialysis center I work at. I remember all the stores he would tell us about working on the railroad. Every time he would talk about the railroad you would see his face light up. Bill would bring in his dialysis bag full of candy and always tell us tech to help our selfs. He was told many times that we all very much appreciated it and that he didn´t have to bring it every treatment if he wanted to share with us maybe just once a month was fine but he insisted on it saying that was his way of showing his appreciation to all of us. He used to talk about his kids and granddaughter all the time too he was a very proud dad and grandfather. Bill was already really missed when he went to home dialysis, we all missed his stories. RIP Bill.
Pat Laffredo
February 11, 2024
Bill´s love for collection of trains. My condolences to the entire family I am sorry not to know bills wife kids and grandkids all I know is he was a big teddy bear with a heart of gold bill would help you with anything you needed. Also sorry for your loss of your brother to Bob & Terri may he RIP
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Pat laffredo
February 11, 2024
So sorry for your loss
Geri Beato Cafarella
February 11, 2024
So sorry to hear about Bill´s passing, I went to Mother of Divine Providence School with Bill. He was always so kind.
Pat Laffredo jr
February 11, 2024
With Bill being the older brother Bob and myself would gang up on him as we would rough house.
Pat Laffredo Jr
February 11, 2024
Living directly across the street from the family we have known each other all out lives
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610 South Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
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