William Gillespie

GILLESPIE

William J.



"Who cares? We do! We who come to say goodbye and hello in one great gulp of a party." From: "He Who Cares" -B.G. (Bill Gillespie) (Don Beadle's retirement party)



Bill called it "doggerel", but his co-workers loved it. Known as the "Unofficial Poet Laureate" of the Toledo IRS office, for retirement parties he was frequently asked to pen a celebratory poem honoring the retiree of the day. Great fun and laughter ensued. Always ready for a gathering, rousing joke, cold beer... that was Bill Gillespie.

William John Gillespie, third of four boys, was born to Charles/Louise (Schuchman) Gillespie, April 10, 1930, in Detroit, MI. His youth was spent in Oklahoma and Kansas, but eventually the family's final move was to Toledo where they were welcomed by the Schuchman and Gillespie family members already in residence. Bill was recognized as a CCHS field athlete and won 1947 City Championship, shot put/discus. A UT degree in Business Administration and 2 years of US Army service, Ft. Lewis, WA followed.

Circleville, OH, 1961, to the strains of the Desilva Mass, sung by Rosary Cathedral Choir of Toledo, Bill and Suzanne (Suzy) Stocklen were married. Three years, 8 months later the young family had grown to 6. Which end to diaper? Mystery solved!

His career as a Toledo IRS revenue officer spanned 28 years. Recognized for his writing ability, he became an IRS "offers in compromise" specialist. He championed employee rights during his terms as union steward and president of National Treasury Employees Union, Chapter 44.



"How little impressed he is with power "Boss" though he is. We've known for years. that he understands the best in man is expressed in love, not fear." From: "Al's Pal's" -B.G. (Al Jachimiak's retirement party)



City of Toledo Department of Taxation - 8 years. Toledo Museum of Art part-time gallery guard - 6 years. Retirement welcomed.

Bill had an abiding love for all things Irish, classical music, opera, and history, Over the years, though he could not read music, he sang in several choral groups - the Ken Holland Chorus, a favorite. With a song in his heart and often on his lips (Italian questionable), he enjoyed entertaining family and friends as he accompanied himself at the piano. His was the soul of an Irish bard.



"Now give me a glass, be it beer, booze, or water/Let's drink to our friend/In the way that we "oughter". Good luck, Joe! May your glass e're be FULL/We all wish you health, and that ain't no bull." From: "Joe, The Class of '78" -B.G. (Joe Biblewski's retirement party)



Bill loved golf (started the "Strokes Infinity" golf league) and also bowled for many years. No matter the score, he was an avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fan.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brothers- Jim, Paul, and Pat, and sister-in-law, Betty (Jim) Gillespie. Surviving are his wife, Suzanne, adult children John, Mary (Jim) G. Rogers, William and Margaret; grandsons, Tristan and Jaylon Rogers; sister-in-law, JoAnn (Pat) Gillespie; loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

To Hospice of Northwest Ohio, to the Sunset House "family" go our deepest gratitude - angels all. Pot Luck, Panera Mens Coffee Group, good friends, family, neighbors- thank you. It was a team effort!

Friends will be received at Corpus Christi University Parish, 2955 Dorr St., Saturday, February 2, 2013, 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome for brunch afterwards.

Donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio 30000 East River Rd. Perrysburg, OH 43551 or Sunset House, 4020 Indian Rd. Toledo, OH 43606.