William David Gillespie Jr.

William "Bill" Gillespie, 81, of East Greenville, Pennsylvania, passed away on September 5, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born August 5, 1945, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Bill was the son of the late William David Gillespie Sr. and Helen (Schlosman) Gillespie. Bill shared 51 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Bonnie Gillespie. Together, they built a life filled with family, hard work, adventure, and countless memories. Through every chapter of his life, Bonnie and his family remained at the center of his world.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Bill served aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) and USS Randolph (CVS-15). His years in the Navy were an important part of a life defined by service, independence, determination, and a willingness to take on an adventure.

Bill was the founder of Gillespie Electric, Inc., the business he built and devoted 45 years of his life to before passing it on to his son, David Burkhart. More than a career, Gillespie Electric became part of his legacy-a business built through decades of hard work, relationships, knowledge, and a reputation he was proud to see carried forward by the next generations of his family. Bill was also an active member of the Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce, later serving on its Board of Directors, and was a member of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Eastern Pennsylvania.

His commitment to the Catholic faith was also an important part of his life. Bill was an active member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, where he participated in Bible studies, assisted with the annual car show, and served on the maintenance and mowing committee. Whether helping with an event, caring for the church grounds, or simply lending a hand where one was needed, Bill was proud to contribute to his parish community.

Bill's love of motorcycles was closely connected to his commitment to veterans, patriotism, friendship, and service to others. Over the years, he was involved with the Blue Comets Motorcycle Club, Friends of the Forgotten, Rolling Thunder, and the Patriot Guard Riders. Motorcycles brought him a lifetime of adventures, friendships, and stories, and he and Bonnie shared countless miles on the road together.

Bill had no shortage of interests or ways to keep himself busy. He loved trains and model building, cars and racing, the MG Club and car shows, boating, deep-sea fishing, and bass fishing. He was happiest when he had something to build, somewhere to go, a problem to solve, or a story to tell.

Bill was a man with a presence. He possessed a lifetime of knowledge and experience and was someone people turned to for advice. Over the years, he touched and influenced far more lives than he likely ever realized. For all he built, accomplished, traveled, and experienced, however, his greatest legacy was his family.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Even during the final days of his life, his concern remained with the people he loved, especially Bonnie, the woman with whom he had shared more than half a century.

Bill is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bonnie Gillespie; his children, James Burkhart (Pam London) of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania; David (Lisa) Burkhart of East Greenville, Pennsylvania; Colleen (RC) Antal of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania; and Rachel (Howard) Quillen of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania; his siblings, Maureen Gillespie, aci of Wyncote, Pennsylvania; Patricia DeSpirito of Honeybrook, Pennsylvania; Gerald (Anita) Gillespie of Upper Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania; and David (Nancy) Gillespie of Oaks, Pennsylvania; his grandchildren, Katie, Robert (Lauren), Zachary (Alyssa), Rebecca (Zsolt), Cory (Courtney), Angela, Howard II, Leigh-Anne, and Meredith; and his great-grandchildren, Maya and RJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William David Gillespie Sr. and Helen (Schlosman) Gillespie. He had a life well lived, a legacy well built, and a story that will continue through the generations that follow him.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 1325 Klinerd Rd, Pennsburg, PA 18073. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the Church. Burial will follow Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, 1817 Quakertown Rd, Pennsburg, PA 18073.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Bill's honor to Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for Vietnam-era veterans. www.VVA.org