Robert Gillespie, Jr.

York native Robert Gillespie Jr., son of Robert Gillespie Sr. and Shirley Gillespie, passed away at his home on July 13, 2026. He was 77.

After graduating from York Suburban High School, Gettysburg College, and Georgetown University, he lived abroad for the next four decades. He served in Peace Corps Cameroon, lived and worked in Iran and Saudi Arabia, and returned to the Peace Corps, serving in Morocco, where he lived for many years. He also traveled widely in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Central and South America.

A brilliant scholar with an encyclopedic knowledge of history, geography, music, literature, art and cinema, Bob would have given any Jeopardy champion a run for their money.

Robert Gillespie is survived by his sister Nancy Gillespie and her son Matthew Smith. Bob was also devoted to his Moroccan family, his Cameroonian family and his dear Peace Corps friends.

Heffner Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc. 1551 Kenneth Road in York is honored to serve the family.