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John Gillespie Obituary
He was born Feb. 24, 1937, in Chicago, to John and Margaret Gillespie. John was a lifelong member of the plumbers Local Union 130 UA. He enjoyed golf, gardening and reading, but especially loved the time he spent with his family and grandchildren.
John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn, nee Albrecht; his children, Karen (Sam) Manfre, Michael (Michele) Gillespie, John (Leah) Gillespie, Anne Marie (Scott) Lyngaas and Tracy (Trey) Holcomb; 16 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Judith Reidy and Catherine Flaherty.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 30, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 31, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Ave. (Route 176), Crystal Lake, where there will be visitation from 10 a.m. until the Mass. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Breast Cancer Foundation, www.abcf.org or call 877-323-4226. Condolences may be sent to www.davenportfamily.com. Call 815-459-3411 for information.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Gillespie
Sam and Karen
July 28, 2021
Missing you very much dad. Always in our hearts.
August 2, 2012
Marilyn and Family: Carol and I were sad to hear of John's death which we heard from Sheila. What a good man he was; he was always pleasant to our family and I know those who knew him more than Sheila and I can attest to his genuineness and good-natured approach. Wish we could have been there today for you and your family. Be assured of our prayers. Your memories of him and your faith will bring you peace. Tom and Carol
- Tom Kirby
Pete & Lisa Racz
July 31, 2012
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Gillespie family. Stay strong for each other!
Marty Endre
July 30, 2012
To the entire Gillespie family,
Please know your in my thoughts and prayers. I have such great memories of Mr. G. The way he and my Dad would laugh and carry on. They were perpetually in H.S. at St. George! I will keep those memories with me.
Marty Endre
Bob Cowhey
July 30, 2012
Marilyn & Family,
I was very sorry to hear about John. I know he fought a great battle to the end. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time.
Bob Cowhey
Russ Brumbach
July 30, 2012
It is always sad to lose another St. George Dragon, but then I imagine that John has joined up with other Dragons and Christian Brothers who have gone before him to enjoy the rewards of life everlasting. God bless the family in these difficult days ahead.
Dan McGuire III
July 30, 2012
Dear Gillespie Family,
We are so sorry for your loss of "Uncle" John/"Big" John!
I have so many happy memories of your Dad and family when we were growing up! I hope great memories of a life lived well will surround you all during this difficult time.
Love and Prayers,
Danny McGuire (and family)
Yvonne Stephanie Ashley Kaitlyn
July 30, 2012
We are lucky and blessed to have him as an Angel watching over us now. Love u grandpa.
Anne Marie Scott
July 30, 2012
It is unbelievable all the love and support we have received through out all this..it just confirms what his family knew all along we had an amazing dad. We love and miss you but know we will see you again.
Robert Precht
July 29, 2012
John was a good man and always a friend to me. I remember him well growing up.God bless his family.
Patrick Reidy
July 29, 2012
From the vise grip handshake to the enormous bellows of his laugh, Uncle John will be missed
Jim Naumann
July 29, 2012
Dear Gillespie Family, Please know that you all and John are in our prayers. I was proud to attend St. George HS with him.
Our prayers are with him and you all in this difficult time.
Jim & Betty Naumann
Bob & Karen Semey
July 29, 2012
Our prayers will be said for John and extra prayers for the entire family. This is, I know, a very sad time but it is also the time to bring back to mind all the great times you had with this loved person, Husband and/or Father. It is time to celebrate his great and giving life. God Bless you all.
TJ & Hannah Holcomb
July 29, 2012
We will always love you Grandpa!
Michael Tobin
July 29, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing. I have great memories of Big John going back to when I was a young boy. I am very proud to have had the chance to work with him. Literally and figuratively we looked up to John all our lives. John had a big heart and a big laugh to match. He will be missed. Our heart and our love goes out to all of you.
Mike and Lynda Tobin
Sam Manfre
July 29, 2012
Dad , you left us too soon , but we know you had work to do . We will think of your smile and kindness for the rest of our lives. Rest well , gentle giant.
Sam,Karen,Jennifer,and Shannon
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