David "Chief" J. Gillespy, 70, a life-long resident of Clay, NY passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024. He was born in Syracuse, NY, a son of the late Cecil and Louise (Brand) Gillespy. David grew up in Baldwinsville, NY graduating from Baker High School, Class of 1971 and continued his studies attending SUNY Oswego. Dave worked at Raymour Furniture in their Sales and Distribution Center for 19 years. In 1991, he switched careers, gaining employment as an Insurance Agent, where he retired in 2019 from the Robert L. Keller Jr. Nationwide Insurance Agency in Liverpool. David was married to the former Rhea Keller for 20 years and continued a loving and supportive relationship as parents and friends.

He will be remembered for his kind, good hearted nature, patience, quick wit, sense of humor and thoughtful words of wisdom and guidance. Dave felt blessed to have the love of his family and many many good friends over the years. He was an avid Yankees fan, music lover, playing the harmonica and 12 string guitar. He also enjoyed karaoke, fishing, gardening and lawn work. Dave was a member of the Raymour Furniture softball team during the 1980's.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his son, Joshua Gillespy of Mexico, NY, daughter-in-law, Pam (Mauro) Gillespy of Mexico, NY, daughter, Jessie Gillespy of Clay, NY, sister, Nancy (Gillespy) Delasin of Baldwinsville, NY, brother-in-law, Thomas Delasin of Baldwinsville, NY, five grandchildren; Malorie (Gillespy) Petrie, Justin Petrie, Viara Mauro, Josh Gillespy and Sam Gillespy, two great-grandchildren, Michael Petrie and Ryan Petrie, Jason Perkins, and more than a dozen nieces and nephews by marriage, who lovingly referred to him as "Uncle Dave" for all of his days.

Services will be private.

Please sign the funeral home on-line guest book for David to express your condolences to his family.