James Gillespie Nicholas Ganacoplos
Salem — James “Jim” Harmon Gillespie, 88, of Salem passed away in his sleep Jan. 12, 2020. Jim was born Sept. 29, 1931, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of the late Newton and Christine (Wilburn) Gillespie. He was united in marriage and is survived by the love of his life, Annmarie (Scheitauer) Dec. 25, 1953, in Owenton, Ky.
Jim enjoyed working in his garden, taking care of his fruit trees, and especially spending time with his wife and family. He was a soft-spoken, kind soul, always wearing a smile and who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Mr. Gillespie was a United States Air Force veteran, serving during the Vietnam War and retiring after 23 years in the service. He later was a civil service employee working in the civil engineering department at Grissom Air Force Base. He later retired to Peru, Ind.
Besides his wife of 66 years, he is survived by his son Thomas and his wife Kelli of Salem; his brother Ray Gillespie of Seneca, Ga.; and his three grandsons, Austin, Brandon and Matthew.
All funeral services are private. The Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London, has been entrusted with his care. Those wishing to remember Jim may make a donation to: Alzheimer’s Association PO Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011, to help find a cure for this disease.
East Lyme — Nicholas “Nick” W. Ganacoplos, 70, of East Lyme passed away peacefully with his family by his side Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London. He was born in New London Oct. 18, 1949, the son of William and Mary Tsesmelis Ganacoplos. Nick was married to Patricia Leigner Feb. 19, 1972, in Groton.
He worked as a manager for the former Anderson Little Clothing in Groton and had been a salesman for both Secor Volvo Cars and M. J. Sullivan Automotive Corner in New London.
He graduated from Robert E. Fitch Sr. High School in Groton and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a member of the New London Lodge of Elks, the Shennecossett Yacht Club, Shennecossett Beach Club and the Baldwin Yacht Club.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, Christopher Ganacoplos of Weehawken, N.J., and Nicholas P. and his wife Sabrina Ganacoplos of Salem; his sister Pamela Ganacoplos; and his grandchildren, Lily and Nickolas.
Visiting hours will be from 4 until 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Elm Grove Cemetery, Mystic.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church, 24 Society Road, Niantic, CT 06359. Please visit www.byles. com to sign the guest book or share a memory.