Benjamin A. Gatchell III

Benjamin A. Gatchell III, 90
1933 - 2024
MARBLEHEAD - Benjamin Arthur Gatchell III, 90, of Marblehead passed away on September 1, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Betty (Hamson) Gatchell with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.
Born in Marblehead, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Doris (Martin) Gatchell.
He was the devoted father of Benjamin A Gatchell IV, of Maine, Beth A. O'Connor and beloved spouse (deceased) Edward G O'Connor, Douglas J. Gatchell of Marblehead and Joshua H. Gatchell of Marblehead and his wife Heather of Marblehead, the cherished grandfather of Noel E St. Hilaire, spouse, Eric St. Hilaire, of Salem, Johanna I Apostoloff of Salem, George E. O'Connor of Del Valle, TX, James J O'Connor of Del Valle, TX, Lily Rose Gatchell of Swampscott, Benjamin J. Gatchell of Marblehead and Gavin Kamps of Marblehead; the adoring great-grandfather of Summer St.Hilaire of Salem; and the dear brother of Celia (Bear) Gatchell of Marblehead. He is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ben grew up in Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School with the class of 1952 and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He raised his family in Marblehead and worked as a linesman for New England Telephone for many years until his retirement. He was a dedicated member and Past Commander and Quartermaster VFW Post 2005, the Gerry 5 and the Market Squares, Marblehead.
He was feisty and determined in everything he did. He ran the table playing pool at the Gerry 5 two weeks before passing. He was a great football player and played softball until he was old. He was a true patriot. He ran for US Congress twice and never compromised on principal. He was a true Marine and a man of the best caliber. He was the best father and husband to grace a family Many Marbleheaders far and wide will remember him as a coach for hockey and baseball who inspired them to be the very best they could be. He was a winner through and through. Emphasis on his love for his family.
Service Information: Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 8th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday, September 9th at 12:00 noon followed by burial in Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 or via www.shrinerschildrens.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Gatchell family.