Harold M Gillespie, 77, of Rittman, Ohio

Harold M Gillespie, born June 4, 1948, was the son of Genevieve and Maynard Gillespie. He was born and lived his early life in Rittman, Ohio. He married Terri Kremer in 1969 and graduated from Maryville College, Maryville,Tennessee, in 1971, with a degree in art. Four years later, he and his family relocated to Ohio. He was a lifelong artist and teacher who advocated for individuals with developmental disabilities at a variety of institutions, including Apple Creek Developmental Center. A career highlight was having one of his paintings displayed at the National Art Museum in Nashville, Tennessee.

He is survived by his son, Sean M Gillespie, of Denver; his ex-wife, Terri Gillespie, of Delaware; his sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Benny Pietrangelo of Rittman, and his niece, Oriana Pietrangelo.

The staff at Matteson Funeral Home in West Salem is honored to serve the Gillespie family as we honor Harold’s memory. If you have a photo or memory of Harold to share, please share one on the Matteson Funeral Home website at mattesonfh.com.