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George Gatje Obituary
Norfolk - Capt. George C. "Carl" Gatje USN, Ret., 84 of the 1200 block of Botetourt Gardens peacefully entered eternity on September 15, 2015. Born in Long Island, New York he was the son of the late George H. Gatje and Marion S.Gatje.
Carl was a longtime member, elder and trustee of First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk. He retired from the U.S. Navy with thirty one years of service and later worked for the Chesapeake Public School System retiring from Western Branch High School as head of the Math Department. He continued to substitute teach until 2015.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Peggy Grady Gatje, two daughters; Jean Farrell and Amy Santamaria, two sons in love, Paul Farrell and Miguel Santamaria. He was Pop Pop to five precious grandchildren, Zachary and Mackenzie Farrell, and Elizabeth, Jacob and Samuel Santamaria, a brother David S. Gatje and brother in law Robert Grady and their families.
Carl was a lifelong learner and educator who enjoyed reading and travel. He will be sorely missed.
A memorial service will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Friday September 18, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church of Norfolk. A gathering of family and friends will be held this evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Norfolk Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Gatje
Sponsored by the family.
Reynaldo Cunanan
September 11, 2020
Vividly remember my former XO on the USS New(DD-818) George Carlisle Gatje.
Josh Myers
November 27, 2017
Mr. Gatje was one of my favorite teachers at Western Branch High. He was brilliant, and he really took the time to teach the material carefully to his students. He was inspirational to me, and I counted him as a role model. For Christmas 1999 he gave me the book, "Tuesdays with Morrie," which was about a mentoring relationship between a teacher and his former student. That main premise of the book wasn't lost on Mr. Gatje. You rarely meet people like Mr. Gatje in life, and I say that with a much bigger view of the world than when he taught me at the age of 16. I am also pleased to read about the huge impact he had in the Navy and at his Church. What an amazing example for all of us on how to live!
August 21, 2017
He was Executive Officer on the USS New (DD-818) in 1964 when we had the Northern Europe Midshipman Cruise. He helped me overcome my seasickness during those 3 month cruise. Rest In Peace, Sir! Reynaldo P Cunanan
Fr. Yanca
June 23, 2017
My condolences to you and your family. He was a good friend and unfortunately time and the seas drifted us apart. I am glad life turned out well for you both. God Bless Fr. Yanca
William Holscher
March 2, 2017
My condolences to Captain Gatje's family. I just learned if his passing. I served with Carl as a fellow plank owner aboard USS TRUXTUN DLGN 35. 1967-1968. I was the junior supply officer on board. As a naval reservist my active duty obligation was just over three years, with the first 18 months on TRUXTUN, and then to NSA Danang RVN.
Carl was the XO and one if the finest officers with whom I served. After leaving the Navy I met him again in 1973 at the commissioning of USS SPRUANCE DD 963 in Pascagoula MS. My wife is the granddaughter of ADM Spruance. It was a brief but delightful reunion. I am honored to have served with Carl. May he rest in eternal peace.
Bob Saulin
October 11, 2015
He was my CO when I was on the USS Charles F Adams DDG-2.Well respected and well liked
Dan Talada
October 9, 2015
RIP Captain. I served under him when our captain came down sick. A great man.
ROBERT VALVERDE
October 8, 2015
"FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS CAPTAIN". MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.
Patricia Youngblood
September 18, 2015
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr.Gatje. He was an awesome teacher. I have just recently shared memories with my family about being in his class. He will be greatly missed.
Monica Santamaria
September 18, 2015
We will always have Mr. Gatje in our hearts. He was an extraordinary men and we will miss him, his books and his stories very much.
George Hartsell
September 18, 2015
I will always remember Geometry and Algebra. He was a great teacher.
W.B. class of 86
Janette Kennedy
September 17, 2015
Flashback to fall 1988: a freshman in a new big high school, I'd slip in late to my 8am geometry class, if I even did make it....slouching in my jeans and oversized sweatshirt. But I always showed up on the day before tests to make sure I knew what would be on it. But Mr. Gatje never harassed me about that. He knew geometry was a language I intuitively understood. Instead, he let me show my classmates how I thought about it, and then the next year, he sent a few others my way who needed help....and thus my first tutoring jobs began. We all need people who encourage the bright spots in all of us!!
Betsy Cummings
September 17, 2015
I was one of the many lucky kids who had Mr. Gatje as a math teacher at Western Branch. I have nothing but fond memories of him and clearly remember him snatching numbers out of the air:) My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Craig Jackson
September 17, 2015
Prayers to Mr. Gatje's family.
Tammy Vertz Baker
September 17, 2015
I remember Mr. Gatje very fondly. He was such a nice and wonderful teacher when I had him for Geometry in 1990. I remember getting into a very intriguing conversation after he saw I was reading Friedrich Nietzsche. He told me that he had lived in Germany and invited me to dinner with him and his wife so he could show me his slides of Germany. Him and his wife were so welcoming and did not mind taking the time to share with me their experience of Germany even though I was just one of his students. I'll never forget how special they both made feel. He made a lasting impression on me and now I have become a teacher myself and try to go the extra mile with my students just like Mr. Gatje did for me. He will be missed!
Carol Stuart
September 17, 2015
So sorry for your loss. I have always remembered Mr. Gatje fondly, he was an excellent teacher!
Amy Manwaren-Stamey
September 17, 2015
He was the sweetest teacher at Western Branch in 1987 when I took his Geometry class. I will always remember the Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer tie he wore every year the last day of school before Christmas break. You will be missed.
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Memorial Gathering
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Inc. - Norfolk Chapel1501 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517
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