Donald Allan Gillespie

Guilderland, NY-Donald Allan Gillespie, 74, passed away on September 15, 2025, after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Don was born on August 29, 1951, in Troy, NY. He was the son of the late Allan and Hope (Chase) Gillespie. He was a lifelong resident of Guilderland. Don Graduated from Guilderland Central High School in 1969. He attended many High School reunions, especially his 50th. He also attended Albany Junior College. Don entered the business world first selling real Estate then office supplies, from there he started his own business "Gillespie Commercial Furnishings" in the 1980's. He along with his "Pillar" Melanie Adalian. The business flourished for many years under their leadership. Later in life he joined Tech Valley Office Interiors, in which he enjoyed working. Like his father he was a natural born salesman in which he excelled. His customers became his friends. He was able to gain their trust and confidence with his knowledge of the business. Don had a very outgoing personality and a great sense of humor and could tell a funny story like no other. He was especially good at Sports trivia. He was requested at one point to reframe from giving an answer so that the other players could have a chance. He was a big sports fan, and his favorite team was the LA Dodgers right from birth and never missed a chance to catch a game even when he was in the hospital. Don was named the starting outfielder for the Capital District All Star Babe Ruth Team in the 1960's. He played over 28 years in men's softball leagues. He loved watching his Great Nephews Ryan and Evan play on Travel Baseball teams in Guilderland. He also enjoyed watching his Great Nephew Tyler's bowling matches when Saratoga bowled against Guilderland. He also went to the bowling sectionals. Don enjoyed getting together at holidays with family and friends to catch up on their lives. Don loved life and lived it well. He had many very good friends especially Ron and Cathy Frank, Melanie and Chuck Adalian, Mark Link, Kathy Pickett and "The Stewart's Gang" (they know who they are). Don is survived by his brother Gary (Mary Ellen) Gillespie and his sister Susan (Kevin) Suddard, Nephews Sean McCarthy, Patrick (Anna), Bryan and Cory Gillespie, Nieces Kimberly and Erin McCarthy, His Great Nephews Tyler McCarthy, Ryan and Evan Gillespie and his Great Niece Isabella Donadio, whom he affectionally called Izzy His cousin Diane Nowak. He was predeceased by his parents Allan and Hope Gillespie, his aunt, Uncles and his 2 Cousins. My Brother and I were very close. He has meant everything to me especially the "Gillespie sense of humor" we shared. I say Thank you, I Love you and God Bless you. Don was also very special to his sister; he was her confidant when their parents passed away. She will miss him very much. Rest In Peace big brother. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Don’s family Tuesday, September 23, 2025 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 N. Allen Street, Albany, NY. Please enter the funeral home from the rear parking lot entrance only. Don’s Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2025 12:00 pm in the funeral home. The Rite of Committal will be held at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland, NY immediately following the Service. To leave a message for the family please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com Those wishing to remember Don in a special way may make a contribution to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204

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Donald Allan Gillespie

August 29, 1951 - September 16, 2025