LONDONDERRY, N.H. -- Gerald M. Gillespie, 88, of Londonderry passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family May 3 at the Hillsborough County Nursing Home in Goffstown after a courageous battle with cardiac, Alzheimer's and Parkinson diseases. He and his beloved wife Dorothy M. (Mazurkivich) Gillespie would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on June 4. He was a hero and mentor to many whether as a father, grandfather, uncle or life-long law enforcement officer. His passion for the Boston Red Sox was second only to his devout Roman Catholic faith.
He was born on July 16, 1928 in Bridgeport, Conn., a son of the late Thomas and Helen (English) Gillespie. Mr. Gillespie grew up in Bridgeport, and graduated from Central High School. He proudly served as an U.S. Marine during the Korean Conflict. He was a 25-year member of the Bridgeport Police Department where he received many honors and accommodations for excellence. He ended his police career there as a homicide detective. He belonged to the Police Athletic League and the Police Anchor Club. Mr. Gillespie also served as the first Superintendent of Security for the Bridgeport Board of Education.
Upon his move to New Hampshire, he joined the Londonderry Police Department as its first sergeant and later as a court prosecutor. He relished his 10-year second career with the Londonderry Police Department, and was especially proud to mentor so many of its accomplished women and men as it grew in numbers and stature. He thought of former Police Chief Joseph Ryan as a "my fifth son." After retiring for a second time, he served on the Londonderry Board of Selectmen. He and his wife were also one of the founding families of St. Mark's Church in Londonderry.
Mr. Gillespie was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He never forgot his hometown of Bridgeport and was always eager to hear more news from The Park City. He was a very loyal fan of the University of Notre Dame's Fighting Irish athletic teams, especially football plus the women's basketball squad of the University of Connecticut. He fueled his deep sense of humor with decades of watching comedy television shows and movies, from Steve Allen to "The Ed Sullivan Show" to "Everybody Loves Raymond."
In addition to his cherished bride, he is survived by five adoring children of whom he was most proud: Mary Helen Gillespie of Londonderry; Edward G. and Anne Gillespie of Wolfeboro; Daniel M. Gillespie and his partner Karen Baillargeon of Hooksett; Timothy F. and Charlotte Gillespie of Derry; and Michael J. and Brenda Gillespie of Londonderry. He loved his seven grandchildren, four step-grandchildren and five great-grandchildren with all of his heart, and more. He is also survived by his treasured older brother, John E. Gillespie of Shelton, Conn., as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was pre-deceased by a very special cousin and friend, John "Jack" O'Brien of Bridgeport. His Siberian Husky of nearly 17 years, "Sarge,'' was waiting for him as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Calling hours with a police honor guard was held 5-8 p.m. May 16 at the Peabody Funeral Home and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. May 17 at St. Mark’s Church, One South Road, Londonderry with burial that followed in the Holy Cross Cemetery on Gilcreast Road in Londonderry. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a scholarship fund for law-enforcement students being organized by the Londonderry Police Department under Chief Bill Hart's direction. To send a condolence, please visit www.peabodyfuneralhome.com, which will also be updated with the scholarship information once complete.
Jerry's family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the ELU nursing staff at the Hillsborough County Nursing Home for their excellent, compassionate care during his stay there.