Richard E. Gillespie, 83, died Dec. 28, 2013, at his residence in Vero Beach.
He was born in Lowell, Mass., and lived in Pelham, N.H., and wintered in Vero Beach, since 1969, moving permanently to Vero Beach in 2000.
He graduated from Lowell High School, Massachusetts in 1948 and continued his education at Indian River Community College, receiving his associate degree.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served aboard the USS Perry DD-844.
He retired from the Naval Shipyard at Boston in 1970.
He was a member of the American Legion, Concord, NH and was active in USS Perry, DD844, Reunions.
He was also a former member of the Indian River Region AACA antique car club.
Survivors include daughters Kathleen Gillespie and Shirley Endicott, (Paul) of Vero Beach; son Richard P. Gillespie, also of Vero Beach; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley C. Gillespie and a grandson Richard E. Gillespie.
Memorial contributions may be made to Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
A graveside service was held at Sebastian Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014.
Sebastian Area Veterans Color Guard will give military honors.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, Sebastian.
A guest book is available at www.strunkfuneralhome.com