Thomas William Gillespie, proud veteran
Thomas William Gillespie, 85, of Lewes, passed away Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at his home surrounded by family. He was born Sept. 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 April 14, 1956. Thomas was employed with Septa in Philly for more than 20 years and moved to Blenheim, N.J. in 1972. After retiring from Septa, he took a short break before returning to work as a custodian for Gloucester Township Board of Education for 11 years, before retiring to Lewes 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 Pennsylvania, Kathleen Smart of Pennsylvania, Rita Platt (Bob) Milford, Richard Gusovius (Tina) of Inwood, W. Va., and Janine Doyle (Stuart) of Gloucester City, N.J.; 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, N.J., and Mae Gillespie; his many nieces and nephews; and his loyal canine companion and sidekick, Baby Rosie, the Bichon-Yorkie Poo.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 13, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 2 p.m. Interment will be private.
Visit Thomas’ Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
