With Gonzo, a typical Fort Myers Beach day began with the shade of a perfectly placed umbrella, chairs facing the water, sitting next to his best friends – Rick and Joe Occhino – and a cooler full of cold beer. As the day progressed you would find him eating a grilled hot dog from Lani Kai, with a side of fries. Getting hungry yet?
It’s hard to express the pain of losing a dear friend. So hard to say goodbye. So hard to face your own mortality, and impossible to imagine life with a gaping hole in your heart. All in, this sucks.
Since some of you never met Gonzo, let me share just a few special things about the man, the myth, the legend.
Gonzo was one of Rick’s VERY best friends. Along with Joe Occhino they were the three amigos, the three musketeers. Mike, Joe and Rick met around 1989 when they were dockmates at Lakeside Yacht Club in Cleveland. Joe (M/V Benedict), Mike (M/V Sea Prince) and Rick (M/V Bodacious then Insanity) eventually moved their boats to Catawba Island Club (CIC) in Port Clinton, Ohio. Rumor has it the boats had well stocked liquor cabinets, aka ship’s stores.
In July of 2010, Gonzo was the Best Man at our wedding.
Mike Gillespie, aka Gonzo, HATED change, so he had a flip phone – the Original Motorola Razr – with maybe six duplicate phones, just in case he lost or damaged one. While all his friends had smart phones, he refused to upgrade. BUT, the choice was made for him when the carriers permanently shut down their 2G and 3G networks, making his precious phone obsolete.
Alas, when he switched to an iPhone we all moaned. Quickly adapting, he wouldn’t put the phone down as he talked to Siri continuously, “Siri, who won the 1985 World Series?” “Siri, what is the score of the Brown’s game?” “Siri, when is the next full moon?”
You may wonder, why was he called Gonzo? Inspired by the muppet character who first appeared in 1970, Mike’s beloved nickname began long ago. It’s all about the nose.
Rick and I were at CIC with Joe and Mike in 2014 – celebrating Mike’s 70th birthday. The party continued at the Crew’s Nest in Put-In-Bay, a familiar spot for many of you!
Da Boys – their friendship is the truly deep kind, that only the very lucky few ever experience in life.
Quite simply, it is because of Mike and Joe that we live in Fort Myers, FL. Mike loved the weather, especially compared to snowy Cleveland. His wife Susie found our condo at Lucaya, and the rest is history.
Mike, Susie, Rick and I traveled together to an eclectic mix of destinations, including Alaska.
Mike and Sue also joined us at Mackinac Island, during our Great Loop adventure
As part of the SFYC Commodore’s Cruise to the BVI’s (Rob Howard) we chartered a 4-cabin catamaran, along with Maureen and Craig. Some of you were there as well.
there was so much more … we also spent MANY holidays together.
And he was at Rick’s SFYC Commodore’s Ball in 2020, just before COVID hit.
Back to the opening story, Gonzo loved to ask, “Rick, who ordered the french fries?” even if there were no fries on the tab. The joke never got old.
Not enough can be said about this great friend, about the great loss that is felt by fellow musketeers Rick and Joe, by his many friends and by his extended family. Rick’s daughters, Jamie and Danielle, have known him their whole life.
His wife Susie is one of the strongest people I know. She has been by his side for over 40 years, unwavering. You are amazing Susie!
Gone too soon, Gonzo, such a sweet friend. We hope you found peace.
Born on June 23, 1944, on May 22, 2026, surrounded by family, Mike passed away. He was just shy of his 82nd birthday. Feisty and quirky, his dancing presence is already missed. Wishing you peace Mike, and wishing Susie and Michael’s family the best of everything. This special sunset from Put-In-Bay is for Susie, Lisa, Andrew, Mike Jr., Amy and the Gillespie grandkids.
Exhale on the Water 