Kevin A. Gillespie

Dr. Kevin Arthur Gillespie concluded his time on Earth on October 22, 2025. Kevin grew up in Rahway, NJ, and was an accomplished high school wrestler and member of the marching band. He graduated from Rutgers University and studied medicine at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Mexico before returning to New Jersey. After briefly operating his own practice, Kevin was an emergency room physician at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ, for nearly his entire professional career.

Kevin was married to his wife Nancy for over 40 years. They shared the same birthday and their unbreakable bond only grew stronger with time, no matter what challenges they faced together. They built a life in Rahway, and then Edison, and raised two children along the way. He taught them the importance of honesty, kindness, hard work, and self-discipline, and never missed an activity or event despite his difficult work schedule. Kevin was devoted to his wife and children and was always proud of them, yet nothing made him happier than becoming a grandpa.

Although his driver’s license may have said he was from New Jersey, Kevin’s heart was never far from his Cabin in the wilderness of Saranac Lake, NY – the same Cabin he had once visited as a boy with his parents and sister. Kevin treasured every moment spent there and loved to share his favorite place with others, so they could see what made it so special to him. The memories spent with Kevin at the Cabin will never be forgotten. He also always looked forward to trips to North Carolina’s Outer Banks with family.

Kevin was a lifelong outdoorsman who spent countless hours fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing, and camping, and was an avid weightlifter and fitness advocate. He enjoyed hosting and cooking meals for others, especially breakfast, and always believed that it was never too early, or too late, to start cocktail hour. Kevin liked playing pinochle, dominoes, and Scrabble, where he could put his colorful vocabulary to good use, along with reading, music, politics, crosswords and jumbles, and the supermarket. Regardless of age, he never lost his sense of excitement at finding loose change or a bargain at a yard sale. Kevin was a man of faith who attended daily mass and was active in both his church and the Knights of Columbus. He was honored as a Torchbearer for the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in recognition of his extensive volunteer work and community service.

Kevin never took life too seriously and always strove to make others feel welcome. His passion was making others laugh with his unique sense of humor and a seemingly infinite number of jokes on every topic imaginable. Kevin was always thoughtful and enjoyed sending postcards, birthday cards, and comic strips to those he cared about. He was respected for his integrity, character, and courage, no matter the situation. Kevin had a big heart and was admired by all for his selflessness and generosity. And, while his temper could be fiery, it always paled in comparison to his endless love for his family and friends.

Kevin was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He is together with his parents, Art and Olga Gillespie, and his faithful dog Sir Charles. For now, he leaves behind his wife, Nancy Morris Gillespie; son Ryan Gillespie; daughter Kelly Ohayon and her husband Alexander; granddaughter Riley Ohayon; sister Deborah Prakapas and her husband Peter; five nieces and nephews who he loved very much; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends. Although Kevin’s passing has left a void that will never be filled, his family and friends will all laugh and smile at the memories, fun, and good times shared together with him.

Kevin’s life will be celebrated on October 27th at Gosselin Funeral Home in Edison from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a funeral mass on October 28th at St. John Vianney Church in Colonia at 10:00 AM.

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