Rich Gatanis

George Richard "Rich" Gatanis, 87, of Carneys Point, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025. He was born on January 18, 1938, to Harry and Mary Gatanis in Salem, New Jersey, and was married for 63 years to the love of his life, Barbara Jean Gatanis (nee Smith).

He is survived by his children, Tim Gatanis (Judy), Kenneth Gatanis (Maria), Kimberly Gatanis, Rich Gatanis (Shelley); grandchildren, Rebekah Pratta, Deanna Gatanis, Victoria Gatanis, Devon Gatanis, Elena Hogate (Terry), and Summer Bird; great-grandchildren, Jade Pratta-Chisholm, Presley Jean Gatanis, Terry Hogate III, Vienna Hogate, and Selah Hogate; and his brother Robert Gatanis (Lilian). He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara and his siblings Tom, Ted, Harry, Nick, Paul, Rose, Florence, Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary.

Rich worked for more than 40 years at Dupont Chambers Works in Carneys Point, beginning in operations, serving as union president, and later moving to Wilmington, Delaware and working as an outside sales representative. After retiring, Rich embarked on a business venture as owner and operator of South Jersey Sporting Goods in Salem.

An outstanding athlete, Rich played football and baseball at Salem High School under coach Sam Venuto, and then went on to play for Massanutten Military Academy, and East Carolina University. While raising four children and working at Dupont, Rich continued his passion for sports competing in the Salem County semi-pro baseball league as player-coach and later manager of the Pennsville Merchants. Rich poured his experience into youth sports in Pennsville, coaching the Hawks 125-lb football team and serving as president of the program when it moved to the Industrial Park complex. He coached Babe Ruth baseball and served as league president. Rich was head football coach at St. James High School in Carneys Point for five seasons, including one undefeated parochial state championship. He later coached the Salem County Community College baseball team, rebuilding the field at the DOD site in Carneys Point and recruiting players to compete in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). An avid golfer, Rich was a member of several Salem County clubs and cherished lifelong friendships forged through sports.

He also served his community as a Carneys Point committeeman and mayor for several years.

Rich and his wife attended and supported Bethel Bible Baptist Church and enjoyed the fellowship and friendship of many there.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rich's life on Tuesday, November 25th, 2025 at Bethel Bible Baptist Church, 20 S. Elmwood Avenue, Carneys Point, NJ 08069. Visitation is at 10:00 a.m., service at 11:00 a.m., and interment will follow at Lawnside Cemetery, Woodstown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rich's memory to Bethel Bible Baptist Church.

www.adamsfuneralhome.org