Walter E. Gatchell, age 78, a longtime resident of Aston, PA since 1975, formerly of Linwood, PA passed away on November 21, 2020.
Walter enjoyed teaching and coaching most of his life. He graduated as president of his class at Chichester high school in 1960. He returned to his high school alma mater after graduating from Bloomsburg Teachers College in 1964 and taught Physics for over 38 years. He went on to attend West Chester Teacher’s college in 1965 and UCLA in 1966 earning a master degree in Science. He also loved coaching baseball and amassed a record of over 350 wins with several championships. Walt was inducted in the Umpires Hall of Fame. He was never confrontational on any bad calls except for one rare time when he was ejected from game. This umpire apologized numerous times many years after he retired from coaching.
His former students, all of which he could recall by name and tell a story about, can surely remember jokingly being called the “village idiot” or told they must be “sharp as a bowling ball” to take his class.
Walt was involved in coaching little league and never really stopped coaching whenever someone asked for some suggestions or pointers. He never stopped teaching as well. It wasn’t unusual for him to run into or be contacted by former students who needed ideas or suggestions on how make teaching fun.
Walter was always willing to help anyone in need and he put his family and friends before himself his entire life.
Walt was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Katherine (Chandler) Gatchell.
He is survived by his son, Grant (wife Alicia) Gatchell; Daughter, Courtney Preston; his sister: Sara May Gatchell (who passed away suddenly on 11/24/2020); brother, Richard (wife Susan); and his grandchildren, Colin, Carissa, Lila and Sullivan.
Per Walters wishes, his funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, if anyone wishes to make a donation in his name, please contact the Post-Polio Survivors association through Easter Seals of Southeastern PA, 3975 Conshohocken Ave. Philadelphia PA 19131-5484.
Condolences(21)-
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Britt Rago says
November 28, 2020 at 4:32 pmCourtney and Grant, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your dad was a great man. Thoughts and prayers to you and your families at this difficult time.
Courtney says
November 29, 2020 at 11:51 amThank you means alot
Courtney says
November 29, 2020 at 12:05 pmMiss everyone:)
linda welsh bingnear says
November 29, 2020 at 7:17 pmR.i.p Mr gatchel
Sharon Veneziale says
November 28, 2020 at 5:40 pmMy deepest condolences to the Gatchell family. I knew Walter from family gatherings, and he always had spirited stories to tell about his many years of teaching and coaching. I’m sure he has touched many lives in a positive way throughout his lifetime. May the Gatchell family have peace and serenity during this difficult time.
SHARMAN CURRO says
November 28, 2020 at 7:18 pmI am sorry for your loss. I remember him as a most excellent teacher. His class was my favorite in high school. Requiescat in pace
Bridget Bieda says
November 28, 2020 at 7:30 pmCourtney and Grant, I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Your dad was such a good man. I have fond memories of his kind demeanor. He was such a devoted dad. I wish it was possible to support you in person. Please know you are in my thoughts and hugs to you all.
Courtney says
November 29, 2020 at 11:50 amThank you :)
Courtney says
November 29, 2020 at 11:53 amYour support means a lot :) [email protected]
Miss everyone:)
Julie Bowersox Gray c/o 1988 says
November 29, 2020 at 6:00 amMr. Gatchell was a great man and a tremendous teacher! He made such an impact on so many! I remember him helping me with my college application. I’m forever grateful! I’m so very sorry for your loss. I hope the wonderful memories you have will bring you some comfort.
Courtney says
November 29, 2020 at 12:05 pmThank you
Deb Thomas Bermel says
November 29, 2020 at 12:50 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with the family. Mr. Gatchell was one of my all time favorite teachers. I enjoyed our talks after class. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Eva Renda Deneski says
March 9, 2021 at 8:07 pmI just heard of Mr. Gatchell and I wanted to tell you that he had a tremendous impact on my life. In reading the posts I can tell I am not alone. He was a true father figure to me in school and was instrumental in me attending PSU in ‘79. I will always have fond memories of him. I only attended Chichester HS for 1 year but he took me under his wing right away. He was the best. My condolences for your loss. He was a great man.
Eva Renda Deneski says
March 9, 2021 at 8:10 pmI just heard of Mr. Gatchell and I wanted to tell you that he had a tremendous impact on my life. In reading the posts I can tell I am not alone. He was a true father figure to me in school and was instrumental in me attending PSU in ‘79. I will always have fond memories of him. I only attended Chichester HS for 1 year but he took me under his wing right away. He was the best. My condolences for your loss. He was a great man.
Walter Kurycz Jr says
November 29, 2020 at 1:51 pmThis man was a god send to me! His teachings where what got me interested in Science! The Physics and math are what I needed to begin my journey in electronics, electricity and PLC’s! I will shake your hand Walt when we meet again! You where a role model and great teacher!
Cheryl Dionne Kincaid says
November 29, 2020 at 4:25 pmI am so sorry for your loss, prayers to you and your family. My fond memories of Mr. Gatchell are as a teacher and a coach. He would always take to time to say hello and have words of encouragement, truly a good man.
Bonnie Brown Tomeo says
November 29, 2020 at 6:35 pmWalter was that teacher that I have remembered fondly through the years. He was a sensitive and kind person. He will surely be missed by everyone.
Natalie Ricco McGhee says
November 30, 2020 at 9:13 pmSending sincere condolences to his family. He was a passionate teacher and such a great guy. He was always good for some laughs during his science classes. May he rest in peace
Colleen Bell says
December 3, 2020 at 6:31 pmMy deepest condolences to the family. He was my favorite teacher in high school and always remembered fondly.
Robin Scott Neff says
December 4, 2020 at 2:35 pmSo sorry for the loss of this great man. He was my own personal “To Sir With Love” teacher and mentor(‘72). What a gift he was!
Charles W Wiggins says
December 12, 2020 at 4:47 pmWhat a great, great person, teacher, coach and mentor. He helped me in so many ways. I am sure God will richly reward him for his goodness to so many.
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