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Christopher Gemmell Obituary
GEMMELL CHRISTOPHER GEMMELL Christopher Gemmell of Orrtanna, PA entered eternal life on his birthday, January 18, 2009 at the age of 47. Christopher was born and raised in New Carrollton, MD, attended St. Mary's grade school, DeMatha High School and the University of Maryland. He began his career in hotel management in Philadelphia, PA before becoming General Manager of the Gettysburg Hotel in 1991. After 10 years at the hotel, he joined his wife Debi and together they served as owners and operators of Lil Deb's High Street Brews in downtown Gettysburg. Regardless of age or experience, it seemed Christopher never lost his youthful charm. An avid golfer, Chris and his entourage never feared being above par at the turn. Ask anybody at The Links and they'll tell you, "Chris Gemmell owns the back nine." Christopher was a husband, father, brother, wonderful friends and will always be remembered for the love, warmth, and the laughter he inspired in all of us. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Gemmell; daughter, Nicolette Moore and husband, Michael of Frederick, MD; brother, Lawrence Gemmell of Winston-Salem, NC; brother, Michael Gemmell of Thurmont, MD; brother, James Gemmell of Portland, ME; sister, Jeanne Gemmell of Williamsburg, VA; brother, Harry Gemmell of Deale Island, MD; sister, Mary Edlund of Dallas, TX and best friend, Barney Gemmell of Orrtanna, PA. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mary Falls Gemmell; his sister, Theresa Gemmell and his brother, Matthew Gemmell. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at the MONAHAN FUNERAL HOME, 125 Carlisle St., Gettysburg, PA. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2009 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Gettysburg, PA. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the LUNGevity Foundation, 435 North LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60654, www.lungevity.org
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Gemmell
January 15, 2021
My message in 2009 stands today. You meant much to many. I think of you so often.
Linda Welsh
July 4, 2009
Debi,
I only met you once, at your wedding to my dear friend Chris. It is odd that I have been having dreams of you two recently so I 'googled' his name as I had no idea where you two were. Needless to say, I am shocked and saddened to read of his passing. Chris, John and I lived in OC together in the early 80's and I truly found him to be a unique, funny, loving and special friend. I was honored that he allowed me into your special day as I had not seen him in years.
My thoughts are with you and your daughter. I know what a large 'vacancy' Chris can leave in a life. I'm glad he found happiness with you two, and the memories I have of him will forever live on.
I wish you peace...
Love,
Linda
Patty Myers
March 11, 2009
Dear Debi and Gemmell family,
I went to St. Mary's and was in the 1st through 8th grade with Larry Gemmell. Chris was a few years older. I just read of his passing and my heart breaks for all of you. I just remember him always laughing and smiling. Our hearts and prayers are with you and all of the Gemmell family.
Love,
Patty, Mary, Tommy, and Kathleen Lloyd
Stephen McShane
March 3, 2009
Each day I look outside, I think of the many memories and times shared...working in my yard, working in your yard, planting, landscaping, talking and always laughing. Fire side chats, taking down a tree with an extension cord (a technique you learned from your experience w/ JB W.) and of course meeting in the field on our tractors for yard beers. Most importantly what I think about most is how much you have meant to me and so many other people. You had a gift of being able to touch everyone you interacted with. I only hope that each of us can find a way to honor your memory in a meaningful way considering how much you have meant to all of us.
Casey Counseller
March 1, 2009
There's hardly a day goes by that something doesn't remind me of one of the great moments we've shared. From that memory comes another and another. Baggage cart rides in Philly to Mr. Monkey at Gettysbrew, puppets, jeep painting (month of Sundays), fireworks in the chest and blanket (did any go in the sky?), honeymoons, holloweens, quiet times fireside and on and on smiles after smile. You and Chris have made my life better. . . Love you both
Just another month of Sundays!
Jane Counseller
February 28, 2009
Debi,
I'm so glad for that infamous St. Patrick's Day, when I introduced you two. You guys are the 'Moondance' couple. We miss him, too. Love, Jane and Casey
Amy Reagoso
February 28, 2009
Chris: You will always be remembered with a smile! Debi & Nicolette: Love, prayers & friendship are with you always.
Terry Whittington
February 27, 2009
Deb,
We are thinking of you daily and hope you and your family are finding comfort in each other knowing Chris is at peace. We feel blessed to have been with Chris the last few hours.Our friend and neighbor will never be forgotten as we remember all the good times we shared.
Love you
JB and Terry
Angie Perez
February 24, 2009
Debi and Family, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you everyday. Chris will be sorely missed, but everything about Chris will be remembered. His spirit lives on in our memories of him. God Be With you all.
BJ Small
February 13, 2009
Debi.
I will remember Chris from the great days at the hotel, and all the fun he had on the golf course. I hope to play golf with him again some time. Hope you find peace and strength in the days ahead. His love will warm you. So will the very large company of friends.
Angie Angstadt
February 13, 2009
Debi and family: Chris Gemmell was 1 in million. His smiling face, great laugh and caring soul will never leave my thoughts, even through this awful disease he kept a smile!! He was a true and genuine person. I thank you for the pleasure in letting me be part of your lives!!! Love Angie
Joe DeCampo
February 10, 2009
Chris, you are missed dearly by those of us who knew you growing up all through St. Mary's and DeMatha. You especially made St. Mary's Teen Club so much fun when you joined. It's hard to believe you are with your brother Matt now. Thank you for all your gifts here on Earth and please intercede for us as you find your place at the Lord's holy banquet.
Carolina Matthews
January 28, 2009
Dear Debi,
I'm sorry I was never able to meet Chris but he sounds like he was a wonderful person. I am sincerely sorry for your loss and I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. My love always.
Carolina
Chris Tully
January 25, 2009
Debi, may the grace of God be with you and yours in these difficult days. You are in our prayers.
Patricia W. Fannon
January 24, 2009
With love to the Gemmell family~ Growing up at St. Mary's there were always enough Gemmells for each of us to have one in our grade! Fond memories and great sadness fill our hearts. He is back in the loving arms of your Mom and Dad with Terri and Matt.
Love, The Windham Family
Heaven has scored with you on their side.
January 24, 2009
Louise DeFeo
January 23, 2009
Sending you a quiet prayer from the "family" of St. Mary's and New Carrollton.
Dave Faucett
January 22, 2009
Dear Debi,
I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the opportunity to meet Chris, but he sounds like a great guy. My prayers are with you. God Bless
Alan Little
January 22, 2009
The Gemmell Family
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of Chris. I had the pleasure of going on a few golf trips to OC, MD with Chris and enjoyed his company greatly. May God Bless the entire Family.
Diane (Parish) Salyer
January 22, 2009
I saw Chris's face in the Washington Post yesterday & was saddened to learn of his passing. I met Chris in Ocean City, both of us working at Phillip's Crab House. He looked the same as I remember him from 25+ years ago. I always wondered what happened to him. It sure sounds like he lead a full and happy life. In the short time that I knew him, I do remember laughing a lot ~ what a guy. I send my condolences to his family and friends.
Sarah Sterzing (Tony's buddyy)
January 22, 2009
Debi and Nicolette, I am so sorry for your deep loss. Chris was a sheer blast to be around and a joy for me to get to know along with you both through Tony via the IB! I hope to get back up that way again with Tony someday, and hope you will visit here at the beach again. Peace to you both and your family, as well as to that wondrously, funny man Chris!
Mary Garofalo (Becker)
January 22, 2009
First, my condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with you. I knew Chris from 1st grade at St. Mary's on up to high school, we both grew up in New Carrollton, and hung out with the same group of friends during high school. The best sense of humor and laughter - we laughed constantly. God Bless him, his family, and his friends.
Jimi Stuart
January 22, 2009
Dear Debi,
I am so sad to hear of Chris passing. I know how much you loved each other. You are in my prayers. All my love to you.
Lori Gromley
January 21, 2009
I was very saddened to read of Chris' passing. Having only known him and Debi for a short time during my cancer treatments, they both left such an impression and imprint on my heart. Please accept my deepest condolences, your family will be in my prayers.
Louise Carr (Cattaneo)
January 21, 2009
Dear Debi,
Everything I’ve read leads me to believe you were blessed with a wonderful husband, business partner and friend. As painful as this must be, I hope you will continue to find comfort in the memories of your joyful shared life events.
Along with your fellow Little Flower classmates, I too send my heartfelt condolences.
Louise
Caroline Crosby
January 21, 2009
Dear Debi,
My prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I hope your memories of love shared give you strength and comfort. It was nice to learn a little something about Chris this summer when you shared the duck story with your LF friends.
Caroline
Joanne Bryan
January 21, 2009
Debi,
We're so sorry to hear about Chris. It's unbelievable hard to accept the loss of such an incredible person who brought so much laughter and joy into this world. I know he wouldn't want you to be sad. (Well, maybe for just a minute!) I bet when this sadness passes his spirit will live on in our hearts and he will continue to bring laughter and joy into this world. Debi, he was so lucky to have you in his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you & Nicolette, and your family.
Love, Joanne, Ed, Katie and Julie
Kris (Koones) Veirs
January 21, 2009
Dear Debi-
I was so sad to learn of Chris' passing this morning. My thoughts and prayers have been with you over these months and I am heartbroken for your loss. After reading about Chris I was sorry that I had never met such a dynamic, fun and wonderful man. Please know that I am praying that you will find comfort and peace in Chris' memory.
Rachel & Bob Hamscher
January 21, 2009
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you Debi and and the entire Gemmell family. Find comfort in each other and know that you are in our daily prayers.
Jeff Hemler
January 21, 2009
Debi--my thoughts and prayers are with you--remember the good times and may lots of good stuff come your way...
Jeff Hemler
TD Day
January 21, 2009
Debi:
As I'm sure you are aware, our Daily Prayers have been said for your fine family. They will continue. The good Lord has chosen to have a nice fellow, that goes by the name of Chris Gemmell, join Him. Those persons that were fortunate to have known him, will count their Blessings. We will all learn from Him.
(Your Little Flower crew is always here for you! :)
Keep Smiling,
Kiki Roddy
January 21, 2009
Dear Debi and family, I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. I hope that you can find some peace and comfort in the kind thoughts and prayers of friends that remind you of the wonderful life you built with your husband and family. Love, Kiki Roddy
Edward Owen
January 21, 2009
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Eddie, Zdenka & Max Owen-Prague
Robert Israel
January 21, 2009
Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your neighbor from B town and friend.
Bob Israel
John Moore
January 21, 2009
The world has lost a great man. He was fun and funny, and a great husband to my friend Debi. Everyone who knew him will miss him.
Barbie Briggs
January 21, 2009
Debi,
I was so shocked and saddened to read of Chris's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
Junior
January 21, 2009
There are many words when you think of Chris Gemmell; thoughtful, caring and down right hilarious to name a few. No matter where he would go the room would light up when he was present. I am so very proud to have had Chris in my life and will continue to keep his spirit alive to the best of my ability. He was an amazing boss and friend, but most of all an all around great human being. I love you Chris and miss you so much!
Marla Schwartz
January 21, 2009
Chris, I miss you already, my friend. Your humor, intelligence, warmth, and smile - all these things I hold dear. That giggle when you're getting away with something, that dance of yours, and your sweet face - I love you dearly, and my heart breaks for our loss of you.
Kat Crowley-Fisher
January 21, 2009
Chris was the best. He was open-hearted and always smiling. He will be missed.
Eileen Blaine
January 21, 2009
My sincere prayers go out to all the Gemmell family. I knew Chris and all the Gemmell family as they were growing up in New Carrollton. Chris always had a smile on his face. I will keep all of you in prayer.
with love, Eileen Blaine
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