Walter E. Gatchell

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.