Mark Gillispie, a seasoned journalist who spent the most of his four decades of work with The Associated Press and The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, covered many of Ohio’s most significant stories and figures, has passed away. He was 63.
How Did Mark Gillispie Died?
Sam Gillispie and Martha Hanna Gillispie, his children, stated Monday that Gillispie, who received a cancer diagnosis last fall, passed away on Sunday while receiving hospice care.
He started working for the AP in 2014 as a reporter in the Cleveland bureau, where he covered stories like the 12-year-old Tamir Rice’s police shooting, an Amish sect that attacked people for shaving their beards, and a statehouse bribery investigation involving FirstEnergy Corp. of Akron. He was dispatched to the locations of several significant breaking news stories, including the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. He belonged to the AP reporters.
Mark Gillispie Career
For 24 years, Gillispie wrote investigative articles for The Plain Dealer, covering topics like mortgage fraud and the questionable overtime practises of Cleveland police. In addition, he covered municipal government, courts, and police, as well as the corruption trial of former US Representative James Traficant.
He could appear tough, yet he could also be sensitive to those who were given bad news. He enjoyed mentoring aspiring reporters in the newsroom.
His Wife Passed Due To Cancer
He collaborated alongside his wife, Mary Lou Gillispie, a copy and design editor, at The Plain Dealer. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he wrote passionately of their marriage and how he was weeping for her when she passed away from cancer.
Mark Gillispie Early Life
Gillispie was raised in Perry, Ohio, a lakefront community. He loved to cook, play golf, play poker, and watch Cleveland sports. He envisioned the day when the city would celebrate a World Series victory.
He enjoyed singing, participated in community theatre at Wright State University for a while, and studied theatre; yet, he rarely showed off his skills.
At his daughter’s wedding the previous year, he performed “Sunrise, Sunset” from “Fiddler on the Roof” as a surprise for her.
As a finance and accounting specialist in the U.S. Army, Gillispie said that time in his life was transformational. He began his journalism career as a reporter and editor at The News-Herald in Willoughby, which is close to his home town. His wife and he met there.
FAQ’s
1. Who was Mark Gillispie?
A. He was the Plain Dealer Reporter
2. What was his profession?
A. Journalist
3. What was Mark Gillispie Nationality?
A. US
4. How old was Mark Gillispie?
A. 63 years old
5. What happened to Mark Gillispie?
A. He died due to Cancer
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