Joseph G. "Jay" Gillespie

Joseph G. "Jay" Gillespie, Sr. 82 of Upper Moreland Township died November 24, 2006 in Saint Joseph's Manor in Meadowbrook. He was the husband of Mary A. (Protesto) Gillespie. They celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary in September. Born in Philadelphia he was the son of the late Patrick M. and Mary A. (Walsh) Gillespie. He was an Assistant Contract Manager for the former Link Belt Corp. in Colmar before retiring in 1986 after 44 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant while serving as quartermaster supply technician for the 324th Combat Infantry Division in the Rhineland and Northern France. He was awarded three Bronze Stars. Active in Catholic Scouting, he was awarded the Saint George Award in 1976. He was the treasurer of St. David's Catholic Church Troop 305. Jay was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Horsham. In addition to his wife he is survived by a son Joseph G. Gillespie, Jr. "Jerry" and his partner Jacqueline Rupp of Philadelphia, two daughters Mary Kay Burns and Robin McKee and her husband Scott all of Hatboro, and a sister Mary Rita Stoerrle and her husband" Bud" of Warminster. Six grandchildren Amanda and Thomas McKee, Daniel and Julie Burns, Colette and Antonio Rupp-Gillespie. Two nieces Patricia and Marita Stoerrle. He was predeceased by a brother Francis. A mass will be held on Thursday November 30, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church 321 Witmer Rd. Horsham Pa 19044. Call from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. Internment will be at St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Broomall. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made in Jay's name to Holy Redeemer Hospice Care at St. Joseph's Manor, 12665 Townsend Rd., Suite 400, Philadelphia, Pa. 19154 Arrangements by C. R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc. (www.crstrunk.com) Quakertown, Pa. Service Information A service summary is not available