Casey Gillespie

Brian Casey Gillespie, known by friends and family as Casey, passed away on March 24, 2022 at the age of 62 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded in person and in prayer by his loved ones.

Casey was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. With the exception of his years at Gilmour Academy for boarding school, he spent his entire life in Grand Rapids. He attended Aquinas College before working with his father, Irving Gillespie, at Gillespie Sales Engineering Company. He went on to serve as the President and CEO for over forty years.

There was no sport that Casey didn’t succeed at. He was an incredible golfer, tennis player, skier, and biker. He loved reading and movies, and could be found on Saturday mornings watching cult classics in the living room. He was a Jeopardy champion and a master at word games. Casey also had a passion for service to others and was a loyal steward to his community and church. 

More than anything, Casey was deeply dedicated to his family and friends. He met the love of his life, Nancy, volunteering with the Grand Rapids Jaycees. They were married for 32 wonderful years. He loved his siblings, children, nieces and nephews unconditionally. He was known for his beautiful, thoughtful letters, infectious laugh, and warm smile. 

Casey is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons Colin (Lauren) and Stephen; daughter, Meredith; brothers Irving Jr. and Michael; sisters Patricia (David) and Kathleen (Debra); and many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will be held at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home (4291 Cascade Road in Grand Rapids) on Friday, April 8 from 5-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held on April 9, Casey’s birthday, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church (6477 Ada Drive in Ada) at 11:00 a.m. A short visitation will be held before mass in the Narthex at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kids’ Food Basket of Grand Rapids or Hospice of Michigan.

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