Thomas Walter Gillespie was born 4-11-1924 and passed 2-10-17. Tom was born in Oak Hill, WVA. He was the son of Thomas and Virginia Maxwell of Oak Hill, WVA. He is preceded in death by his wife Blanch Nardone Gillespie. He is survived by; his son Dr. Martin Gillespie and his wife Deanna; 3 grandchildren, Gunnar, Wyatt and Aidan Gillespie; Tom's nieces Liza Kent NY NY and Melinda Lackner Youngstown OH; 4 step daughters: Gay Nardone Durham NH, Carol Norod Scituate MA, Eileen Nardone South Dennis MA, Joan Smith Plymouth MA and Blanches' many grandchildren.

Tom enrolled in college on a football scholarship at Virginia Polytechnic Institute VPI (VA Tech) and to the flight training school offered by the Navy V- 5 at VPI. Due to World War II, he dropped out of college and finished his flight training and flew anti-submarine patrol missions( the plane TBM avenger) in World War II. He returned as a flight instructor when the war ended. He returned to VPI after discharge and then transferred to Saint Louis University with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Two weeks after graduating, he was recalled into the Marine Corps for the Korean War as a fighter pilot flying the F4U corsair fighter jet.

Tom later completed the air force experimental flight test pilot school as a civilian and was ranked in top five out of 16. This flight school was a prerequisite for the space astronaut program, including the original Mercury Seven to include Gus Grissom and Gordon Cooper, who he performed better than. He qualified to be one of the first astronauts in space with the Mercury 7 astronauts but a last-minute decision excluded all civilian candidates; thereby excluding Tom from being an original astronaut.

Tom continued his storied aviation career with stints at general motors with the f84 thunderstruck, Beech Craft Lear Jet and Vice President of Piper Aircraft. He finished his career running flight safety academy flight school in Vero Beach, Florida.

Tom retired to Cape Cod with his wife Blanche Nardone Gillespie and upon her death moved to State College with his son Dr. Martin Gillespie

Due to a storied and decorated military career in World War II and the Korean War, Tom will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors and a catholic service at the cemetery Chapel. Date is yet to be determined.

In honor of his favorite quote " do the right thing for the right reason " family requests In lieu of flowers please send any donations to Penn State Dance Marathon http://www.fourdiamonds.org/ways-to-give/thon. (The Penn State Dance Marathon supports pediatric cancer through the four diamonds).

A guest book may be signed or condolences sent to the family www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com