Paul J. Gillespie, J.D.

TOPSFIELD - Paul J. Gillespie, age 80, of Topsfield, MA, passed away peacefully on April 19th, 2022 with his wife of 58 years, Martha, and his daughter, Betsy, at his side. Paul was born in Somerville to Charles and Elizabeth Gillespie and was the much loved youngest of six.

He graduated from his beloved Malden Catholic High School where he played several sports (baseball being his passion), Tufts University, and Suffolk Law School. Paul was a gifted trial lawyer who was once described by a colleague as “the Ted Williams of the courtroom.” He was a lover of Ireland, its history, culture, and traditional music. Paul was former president of the Irish American Cultural Institute in Boston, President of the Tufts Jumbo Club and trustee of Malden Catholic High School, to whom he has donated a large collection of his Irish books. He enjoyed golfing for many years in Ireland, and at the Essex County Club and Bald Peak Colony Club in Moultonborough, NH.

Paul is survived by his wife, Martha, daughter, Elizabeth Montgomery, son-in-law, Gerard, and was the adoring “Granda” to three grandchildren, William, Kathryn, and Grace. He also leaves several loved nieces and nephews, and many, many cherished friends.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends will gather for visitation at St. Rose of Lima Church, 12 Park Street, Topsfield, on Wednesday, April 27th from 9:45 to 10:45 A.M., followed by a Celebration of Life Mass at 11 A.M.. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Malden Catholic High School, 99 Crystal Street, Malden, MA 02148. Assisting the family with arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St. (Rte. 62) DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

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