Francis J. Gillespie

Francis Joseph Gillespie, 88 years old, “a true gentleman” passed peacefully on October 30, 2016. Beloved husband of the late Jean R. (Mitchell), loving father of Jean Owen of Durham, NC, Catherine (Kate) Gillespie of New Hope, PA and Francis (Frank) Gillespie of Bear, DE. He is also survived by his long time companion and love Lorraine Wisneski of Southampton, PA, his children’s’ spouses, William Owen, Jennifer Paterson and Ann Gillespie, his 5 grandchildren, Francis, TJ, Elizabeth, Katie and Clark, his brother Tom and sisters Kathleen Villami, Van Gillespie and Mary Cormier. He was also preceded in death by his brother Michael of Glenside, his parents Catherine Gillespie and Francis J Gillespie, Sr. of McKinley and his beloved dog Mickey, a Yorkshire terrier, a favorite companion who often accompanied him on his rounds as marshal at Neshaminy Valley Golf Club. Proud lifelong resident of the McKinley neighborhood of Abington township. Frank and his family were all born in Abington hospital and raised in the parish of St. James in Elkins Park. He lived a life of service to others. He was a Korean War Air Force veteran, trained as a medic, spending time in Korea and Japan during his service. He retired after 25 years from the Abington Township Police Department and eventually went onto his dream retirement job at Neshaminy Valley Golf Club as a marshal and starter. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the American Legion, and the Golden Age Club. He also served his community as a member of the McKinley Civic association and served as a volunteer firefighter. Family was everything to Frank, he was a devoted and loving son, father, husband, grandfather, brother, uncle and companion. There was no doubt of his love for his family. He raised his kids to be kind, polite, respectful, faithful in the Catholic religion, good citizens, to have a firm handshake and with a love of sport and being physically active. Frank enjoyed being with friends and giving them lots of compliments to help brighten their day. He delighted everyone, friends and strangers with his famous home-baked cookies, especially the chocolate chip ones. He was proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed his trip to Ireland to see his mother’s home in 2002. He loved the game of golf and played wherever he could, in his yard, at local parks and clubs, trips to Scotland and Ireland and Myrtle Beach. He was a master at fixing cars and at one time owned a service station in McKinley. Frank enjoyed horses and motorcycles and anything mechanical. Frank was very devoted to practicing the Catholic faith and to St. James. He was a man of strong faith and we are sure God in heaven greeted him warmly. RIP Dad, Pop, Pop-Pop. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday November 4, 2016 at 11 AM at St. James Church in Elkins Park. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday November 3rd from 5-8PM and Friday the 4th from 9:30-10:15 AM at the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home 507 West Ave. Jenkintown, PA 19046. His interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Bucks County SPCA, 60 Reservoir Rd. Quakertown PA 18951. http://www.bcspca.org/support/donate-online/