Northborough – George A. Gillespie passed away Monday, Feb. 23, 2015 at Bayfront Health in Port Charlotte, Fla. after a period of declining health. He was 83. The love of his life and devoted wife of 60 years, Muriel D. (Eaton) Gillespie, died in 2013.
He leaves behind his loving children, Deborah Rosales and husband Stephen of Belmont, George Gillespie Jr. of Venezuela, Stephen Gillespie and wife Marlene of Kingston, N.H., Richard Gillespie and Shelley Carlson of Northborough, and Denise Gillespie of South Weymouth; six grandchildren, Danielle, Elizabeth, Caren, Stephen, Cherié and Nicole; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Born and raised in Boston, he was the son of George and Elsie (Rotch) Gillespie. “Mr. G,” as he was commonly referred to, spent his career in the military entering the service in 1950 when he enlisted in the Air Force. In later years, S/SGT Gillespie entered the Air National Guard as a radar foreman in Worcester. He and Muriel settled in Northborough in 1956 to raise their family.
During his distinguished 35 year military career, he served overseas in Korea, in Berlin where he witnessed the building of the Berlin Wall, and in Denmark. His career culminated in his being assigned to the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. George retired in 1985 with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Upon his retirement, he escaped the Massachusetts cold and snow and wintered 30 years in Punta Gorda, Fla.
He enjoyed music and was an avid Boston professional sports fan. A dedicated family man, George loved watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events. He was a longtime member of St. Rose of Lima Church.
Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 5, from 5-8 p.m., in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. His funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m., in St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St., Northborough. Burial with military honors will follow in the Howard Street Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
To share a memory or leave an online condolence, visit www.haysfuneralhome.com.
