John Francis Gillespie

LIVONIA, MICHIGAN - John Francis Gillespie, 88, passed away peacefully at 9:39 a.m. on Sunday February 19, 2017 after a brief illness. He was born in Youngstown, Ohio on October 16, 1928 the son of Francis A. and Cecelia (Carroll) Gillespie. He proudly and honorably served in the United States Marine Corp. John made his career as a heavy steel fabricator, and later became part owner of Mahoning Valley Fabricators. He retired at the age of 57 and split his time between Youngstown and Fort Pierce, Florida. John later made his home in Florida, Niles, Ohio and then Livonia, Michigan. One of John's greatest accomplishments was becoming a 32nd degree Shriner. He enjoyed collecting guns and visiting ranges wherever he lived. The greatest loves of John's life were his family, golf and football. He used to call himself a professional golfer having spent so much time enjoying his favorite pastime during his retirement. Another pleasure of John's was coaching the Kirkmere Cleaners Little League football team. He was so proud when they went on to capture a city championship title in 1960. John leaves behind his cherished children Colleen J. (John) Webberly of Livonia, Michigan, John Gillespie of Brookfield as well as his adored grandchildren, Taryn (Daniel) Mauti, Sean Scane, Brendan Webberly, Austin Webberly and two great-grandchildren Anna and Dylan Mauti. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife Kathryn Mitchell Gillespie whom he married on February 17, 1973 and who passed away on April 7, 2010. A private memorial service will be planned by the family at a later date. Burial will be in St. Stephen Cemetery. "Our joys will be greater. Our love will be deeper. Our lives will be fuller. Because we shared your moment." Arrangements by Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home, 126 West Park Avenue, Niles, Ohio 44446 330.652.4311