Contributions to the tribute of Jack R. Gillespie

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Tuesday, July 16, 2024

My name is Bill Carrigan, a faculty member in the History Department at Rowan University. This is a paraphrased version of what I sent to the history alumni this morning. "Remembering Jack Gillespie ('63). I learned yesterday that one of our greatest alums, former social studies major and longtime GSC and Rowan faculty member, Jack Gillespie, passed away in late May. A formal remembrance from Rowan is coming soon, but I thought I would take this opportunity to say something brief about Jack and Mary. They were among the earliest interviews that I did for my Centennial interview initiative, Project 100. I am so grateful that I got to speak to Jack. His accomplishments speak for themselves but just as impressive to me is the regard with which he was held by his peers and colleagues. They universally refer to him as one of the smartest and best human beings they ever met. As a member of the working class who began college at the non-traditional age of 28, his success story is a powerful testimony to the importance of college being accessible to all."

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Betty Castor posted a condolence

Monday, July 15, 2024

Dear Mary and family, I regret learning this sad news of Jack. His career is certainly his legacy. What a fine and committed gentleman he was! I recall fondly our days together at Glassboro State College. Jack was the smart one! He was so much more mature and committed to his courses and profession. Mary and Jack were a great team. What great memories of fine educator. I will always see him helping in our Operation Uganda effort to collect and send books to African. I have pictures of our group and wish I could attach one here. Thinking of you, Mary, Fondly, Betty (Bowe) Castor

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Catherine Fee posted a condolence

Sunday, July 7, 2024

In the mid-seventies I enrolled in Jack Gillespie's journalism class. I was a single parent with a strong desire to be a news reporter. I had more ambition than money (and time!). I saw an ad in a national woman's magazine that offered scholarships to women past the age of 30 who were embarking on "non-traditional" careers. I needed a sponsor. Jack didn't know me, but he was my only option. I will never, ever forget how generously and without hesitation he provided the endorsement. I got the scholarship and did end up with a rewarding journalism career. Jack was always there with sensible advice and support over the years. May he rest in peace. Catherine Fee

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Sandy Fusco posted a condolence

Saturday, June 8, 2024

During my many neighborhood walks along Lakeshore Drive, I would see Jack working in his yard . He seemed to love the outdoors but more importantly, his lovely home. We would chat briefly and share thoughts regarding our homes, children, life etc… With deepest sympathy, Sandy & Jeff Fusco, (Margate)

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Denis Mercier posted a condolence

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

I'll take Jack's advice and get right to the point: Jack was a mentor of almost all the rest of my mentors! Just one question: What will his dog(s) do without papers to grade? His always-helpful advice taught me more about writing than anyone. With the possible exceptions of Frank Grazian and Don Bagin. Their decision to hire Jack had to be the best business moves they ever made. To all the people Jack helped: Thank you so much!

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Rick Gillespie posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Jack was a teacher of mine at Glassboro State in the early 80’s. Ironically we share the same last name and lived in the same Hammonton neighborhood. I can honestly say that he was my favorite teacher of all time and I have many fond memories my time with him in both undergraduate and graduate school. I most recently spoke with him about 8 months ago and will truly miss him and his dry sense of humor. He was one in a million. Rick Gillespie

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Lisa Patten posted a condolence

Monday, June 3, 2024

As is true for so many Glassboro journalism school grads, Jack was not only instrumental in getting me my first “real” job, but also in shaping my 40+-year career. I remember meeting with him the month before graduation and asking if he ever thought I’d make it to the New York Times. It was my dream/delusion to join my hero, deputy metro editor and columnist, Anna Quindlen. Being realistic about my writing skills, I pretty much knew his beloved dog had a better chance of making it the the NYT than I did. But rather than uttering a hard “no” to that fantasy as many would have, Jack took a thoughtful puff on his cherry tobacco-filled pipe and replied “I try never to prophesy where students will end up. HOWEVER, I just learned of a great PR job today and immediately thought of you.” One phone call from Jack and two interviews later, I found myself hired as the PR director of Camden County United Way. Only problem was, as a hard-core J-school student, I knew nothing about PR. Once again, the great Jack Gillespie to the rescue when he suggested I take a few grad school PR classes at night at Glassboro. Of course, I listened and zipped from Camden to Glassboro most evenings for the better part of a year to learn about everything from setting up a special event to “handling” the press. (As if that is actually possible…) Toward the end of that year, enter Jack again. He casually mentioned that because I had taken so many graduate classes to learn my job, the only thing holding me back from a master’s degree in PR was writing a thesis and taking the comprehensive exam. Again, another career milestone reached thanks to Jack’s subtle influence. I could go on and on, but want to leave space for the stories others are sure to tell. Or not. I’ve noticed that the best writers often have the hardest time getting words down when it is something as important as a memorial message. Anyone reading this knows Jack was a great man – the sort very few of us ever get to call mentor or friend, but know we have been blessed when we do. Always funny, but never cutting. Inquisitive, but not nosy. Clear with his direction, but also kind with any criticism. I know many hearts cracked a little (or a lot) on May 22 when the news was shared that the great man was no more in this world. But for those in the know, we realize he is not gone from us forever, simply a few steps ahead (as usual), saving us average bears a seat in a place much better place when our time here too is through. Peace, Jack, until we meet again. Lisa Patten Schuler

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Roseann Gibase posted a symbolic gesture

Thursday, May 23, 2024

To Mary and family So sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man. May he rest in peace Condolences from Roseann And Donnie Gibase

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Steven Chambers Posted May 24, 2024 at 3:48 PM

In the early 1980s, I had the privilege of meeting and being taught and advised by Jack Gillespie while he was teaching at Glassboro State College. Like Jack, I hadn’t gone immediately to college after high school, and I was absolutely trying to find my way. He helped me find it and was incredibly supportive and encouraging. He always offered sage advice and counsel, helped me find my internship at the Asbury Park Press and begin what turned into a 40-year career in journalism that took me to The Star-Ledger and around the world. I’m going to retire next year, and I can absolutely say that I never would have gone as far as I did without Jack. When I read his appropriately well-written obituary I was thrilled to hear what a long, full life he led in the intervening four decades. My condolences to his family, who obviously already know what a great man he was. Sincerely, Steve Chambers

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Gina Audio Posted May 30, 2024 at 8:16 PM

So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. He is one of three people who made me the writer I am today. I will always remember the Glassboro State College days and working with him at Briefings. My thoughts are with Mary and the family.

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The family of Jack R. Gillespie uploaded a photo

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Jack R. Gillespie

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

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