He attended St. Edward’s Elementary School and St. Patrick’s High School in Chicago. Fr. Gillespie attended St. Francis Seminary, El Cajon and Immaculate Heart Seminary.
Fr. Gillespie was ordained a priest for the Diocese of San Diego by Bishop Charles F. Buddy on March 17, 1961.
Within the Diocese of San Bernardino, he served as Pastor at St. Ann in the Mountains, Running Springs from 1976-1978 and at St. Thomas More, Rialto from 1978-1992. He also served as Administrator of St. Margaret Mary, Chino.
He retired from priestly ministry in July 1998.
Vigil service was held on March 31 and Mass of Resurrection was held on April 1 at All Souls’Chapel, Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Colton.
Fr. Gillespie was interned at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Colton.