Thomas William Gillespie's Obituary
Thomas William Gillespie, age 85 of Lewes, DE, died on Thursday, October 6, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. He was born on September 1, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Henry and Dorothy Gillespie.
Thomas attended Paul Newman High School in Philadelphia. A proud Veteran of the U. S. Navy, aboard the USS Saratoga, the first time it was commissioned on April 14, 1956. Thomas was employed with Septa in Philly for more than 20 years and moved to Blenheim, NJ in 1972. After retiring from Septa, he took a short break before returning to work as a custodian for the Gloucester Township Board of Education for 11 years before retiring to Lewes, Delaware with his wife Rita.
Thomas was a captain for the Lobster New Year's Brigade in 1969 and was involved with the Mummers Organization for many years. He belonged to the American Legion Post 17 and was a commander for a few years and recently moved his membership to post 28.
Thomas was known for his sense of humor and the jokes he liked to play on his unsuspecting victims. A Philadelphian at heart, he never stopped rooting for his beloved Eagles and Phillies. Above all Thomas was a family man; he was a loving father and grandfather who cared for his loved ones until the last day, and he will be greatly missed by them.
In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife of 50+ years, Rita Gillespie; and his granddaughter, Erin Doyle. He is survived by his children: Louise Lunsford (Al) of Pa., Kathleen Smart of Pa, Rita Platt (Bob) Milford, De, Richard Gusovius (Tina) of Inwood, Wv, Janine Doyle (Stuart) of Gloucester City, NJ; his grandchildren: Wesley Wheeler, John Doyle, Jr., Dennis Platt, Erik Doyle, Elizabeth Gusovius, and Stuart Reckard, Jr; his sisters: Dorothy Longo (Donald) of Egg Harbor, NJ, and Mae Gillespie; his many nieces and nephews; and his loyal canine companion & sidekick, Baby Rosie, the Bichon-Yorkie Poo.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at 3:00 PM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may call beginning at 2:00 PM. Interment will be private.
All who cannot attend in person are invited to join the services via live streaming by visiting the following link: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/10699045/LTWebcast.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORAL NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022 TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?