GILLESPIE – Irving F. Gillespie age 91 of Grand Rapids passed away June 21 2010. He was preceded in death by his brothers Dr. Stephen Gillespie and Jack Gillespie. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Aloyse; children Michael T. Gillespie Patricia (David) Rinard Kathleen Gillespie (Debra Shore), Irving F. Gillespie Jr., Casey (Nancy) Gillespie; sister Mary Harrigan; grandchildren Megan and Gena Rinard Colin Stephen and Meredith Gillespie; sisters-in-law Kay Gillespie Shirley Gillespie Margaret Keating and Patricia (Gene) Merkert; also several nieces and nephews. Irving was a Captain in the United States Air Force during World War II training many to fly the Hump in support of the war effort in Asia. He graduated from the University of Detroit High School and the University of Detroit with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He was a member of Cascade Hills Country Club for 50 years as an avid golfer loved to ski and had an adventurous spirit. He worked for Continental Motors as national sales manager and later started Gillespie Sales Engineering Company. The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Spectrum Hospice and Brian Peggy Jan and Bev for their generous support. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Robert of Newminster Church 6477 Ada Dr. SE Rev. Leonard Sudlik and Msgr. Ernest P. Schneider presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Rosary will be recited at 7:30 PM. Visitation 2-4 & 7-9 PM at the OBrien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel 3980 Cascade Rd. SE. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Hospice and Palliative Care 4500 Breton SE Grand Rapids MI 49508.
