RACINE – Andre D. Gillespie, 54, passed away after a long illness on Thursday, July 14, 2016.

He was born in Benton Harbor, MI on June 17, 1962, the son of the late Freddy and Margie Fae (nee: Koonce) Gillespie.  On April 27, 2014 he married Robin M. (nee: Craig).

Andre was a longtime employee of InSinkErator before his illness prevented him from continuing.  He also worked independently as a home remodeler.  Andre enjoyed simple living.  He was always content to be cooking and grilling or quietly working a jig saw puzzle.

In addition to his loving wife, Robin, he is survived by their children, Kenneth Reynolds, Jr., Chelsea George and Andre (Mariah) Gillespie all of Racine; his grandchildren, Taliyah Reynolds, Amir and Sincere Assad, Jaiden and Adrian Gillespie; his sisters, Freddie Swift, Margie Ann Swift both of Michigan, Natasha Brown of Georgia; his mother-in-law, Helen Rapaelian of Somers; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Jim (Sue) Craig, Janice (Josh) Rayat both of Racine and June (Tim) Fox of Colorado; as well as dear half-brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews and cousins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt, Rose Powell.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday evening for a visitation from 5-7 p.m.  A memorial service celebrating his life will take place in the funeral home on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Keith Evans officiating.  There will also be a visitation in the funeral home on Friday from 10-11 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to one's choice have been suggested.

Andre's family extends a heartfelt thank you to the entire staff at Froedtert Hospital and Aurora at Home Hospice for the professional and exceptional attention he received while under their care.