Obituary of John M. Gillespie

Gillespie, John M. (Mike) Sr. of Clarks Pond, NJ died peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. He was a loving husband, devoted father, uncle, teacher, coach, mentor and friend to many. Born in Millville, NJ to Robert and Ray (Stinson) Gillespie, Mike graduated from Glassboro College. He was a special education teacher for more than 40 years. Most of career was spent at Buena Regional High School. Mr. "G" was a track and cross-country coach at Buena High for many years with several outstanding "winning" seasons. He was an avid sports enthusiast. Mike was the leader of BRHS Ski Club spending many winters of skiing with students and his family. You could always find Mike under the Friday night lights, either announcing the game or assisting the team during Buena's football season. Mike was an advocate for the wellbeing of the natural beauty of the Clarks Pond and the Cohansey River in Fairfield Township. A founding member of the Cohansey River Area Preservation, his ability to speak for the environment was instrumental in protecting these important features of the Cohansey Watershed. One of his greatest joys was sailing the Delaware Bay (Greenwich, NJ) with his daughter and friends every summer on their sailboat. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 45 years, Linda (De Santis); his daughter, Alix Gillespie Tyson; son-in law, Ron Tyson; sister-in-law, Mary W. Gillespie of Medford, OR.; nieces, Sherry Arnes of Naples, FL. and Shawn Kahn of Millville, Gail Gillespie of Windsor, CA., and nephew Tom Gillespie of Roseburg, OR. He was predeceased by his sons, John M. Gillespie, Jr. (Mike) and Justin V. Gillespie; brother, Robert J. Gillespie and sister, Janet Miskelly. Immediate services are private. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to a charity of your choice in honor of Mike Gillespie. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland.