Lawrence H. Gillespie, Jr.

Lawrence H. Gillespie, Jr. died peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 surrounded by loving family in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.  

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1928 to Lawrence and Lillian Gillespie, he was a proud graduate of the University of Delaware with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, and where he played for the Delaware Blue Hens.  Employment with E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company was preceded by two years of Army service in Europe.  Married to Elizabeth Rheuby in 1951, they started their family in West Chester, Pennsylvania.  With DuPont his entire career, positions in Engineering, Sales and Marketing and Management led to his assignment as Director of the Industrial Films Business, and culminated with being President of the Engineering Polymers Division.  Friends and customers noted Larry was known for his unique approach to problem solving and innovative concepts.  Crawford Greenwalt, DuPont Chairman, wrote a book about DuPont employees entitled "The Uncommon Man".  Larry's colleagues believe he could have had Larry in mind.  In retirement, captivated by experiencing the 1960s in California, he and Betty complemented their Wilmington base with a San Diego home.

A great dad and "Super-Grandfather", Larry delighted in extended family gatherings on the bay in Rehoboth Beach.  With his easy laugh, wonderful wit and creative mind, he was a vibrant conversationalist and shared his passion for history and politics with all.  An entrepreneurial spirit frequently emerged with his ideas for products or businesses.  A devout Catholic, he regularly attended Saint Joseph on the Brandywine, site of his wedding to Betty. Vital to his life was time with friends during dinners and travel.  An avid golfer, he was a member of The Wilmington Country Club and enjoyed neighborhood strolls.

Larry was the devoted husband of his wife, Betty; the beloved father of Larry Gillespie (Shannon) of Charleston, South Carolina, Ellie Elmore (Bill) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Andy Gillespie of Mission Viejo, California; and the adored PopPop of Drew Gillespie (Lindsay Kovnat) of Brooklyn, New York, Craig Elmore of Charlotte, North Carolina, Grant Gillespie of New York, New York, Jack Elmore of New York, New York, and Blair Gillespie of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Visitation at 10:00AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30AM will be held at Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Church, Greenville, Delaware on Monday, October 5, 2015.  Interment will be in the parish cemetery. 

  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, 4701 Ogletown Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19713, or Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Parish, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville, Delaware 19807.

 Service Information