Thomas J. Gillespie III, age 84, passed away suddenly on March 9th, 2009, in Vero Beach, Florida. He was the son of the late Thomas J. Gillespie, Jr., and Louise Succop Gillespie. He is survived by his wife Gladys Killmeyer Gillespie and his four children Thomas J. Gillespie, IV (Christine), Carolyn Raetzke (Dennis), Louise Cannon (David), and David M. Gillespie (Trish). He is survived by 10 grandchildren and 1 great grand child. He is predeceased by his first wife Carolyn McIntyre Gillespie.
Tom grew up in the City of Pittsburgh, attended Shady Side Academy, and graduated from Deerfield Academy and Princeton University. He served as a combat soldier in the European theater in World War II. He was known by his friends as Mean Tom because of his good nature and amiable manner.
He spent his entire working career at Lockhart Iron & Steel Co., succeeding his father as President in 1968 and retiring in 1989 at age 65. He served as a member of the Lockhart Board of Directors for over 50 years. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Union National Bank, Integra, Bennett Supply and Mellon-Stuart.
Tom was a dedicated leader of the YMCA of Pittsburgh from 1951 until his death serving as a member of the Board of Directors, Board of Trustees and as the Chairman of the Board. He was also active with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western PA, where he served on the Board of Directors from its inception until his death. He was a member of the Butler Country Club, Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club and Bent Pine Golf Club. He was a lifelong, dedicated Presbyterian.
He will truly be missed by all who knew him and were touched by his quiet kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hibiscus Childrens Center, 1145 12th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the Gifford Youth Activities Center, 4875 43rd Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32967. Funeral services will be held in Pittsburgh, PA with a memorial to be held in Vero Beach at a later time.