illiam E. Gatchell Jr., age 89, of Wilbraham, passed away peacefully December 5, 2021 while in his Wilbraham home with loving family at his side. Born in Boston, March 4, 1932, Bill's life concluded after a series of strokes weakened him, requiring in-home care by his surviving wife, Ellen, and his son Carl and wife Karen. Sincere appreciation is given to the many caregivers who assisted with his care. Other surviving family members include his son, Scott and wife Sue Gatchell, of St. George, Utah; and a brother, Charles, in West Virginia. Surviving grandchildren are Tanner and Jenika, Ian and Taylor, Wyatt and Aspen, and Hayley Gatchell, Roslind and Brian Overend, David and Allie Foster, and Janet and Susannna Gourlay. His great-grandchildren include Tucker, Courtlyn, Skylee, and Alexander. Predeceasing Bill were his parents, Phyllis and William E Gatchell Sr., granddaughter, Ellen Gourlay, and his son, Douglas Alan Gatchell. A lifelong learner and a fulltime teacher, Bill Gatchell taught mathematics for 34 years on Long Island, and in Springfield, and finally, at Longmeadow High School where he retired in 1993. From 1966-1968, he served with USAID as a teacher in Tororo, Uganda at the Tororo Girls School secondary and junior college. He was a Scout Pack Leader at the Wilbraham United Church and as a supporting member of the Springfield Ski Club in Blandford. Bill grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a Business degree in 1959. He later earned his Master's Degree in Education at Westfield University. Prior to college, he served as a radar technician in the Air Force during the Korean War. He also worked for many years as a TV Engineer at WTIC Channel 3 in Hartford and as a Radio Tower Technician for WEEI Boston. After retiring from the school system, Bill worked as a Historical Interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village. As a beloved husband, father, teacher and friend, Bill Gatchell will obviously be missed. Yet through the lives of his family and friends, his former students, and his growing posterity, his spirit and influence will forever live on. Calling hours will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, Dec 17th at Byron Keenan Funeral Home & Cremation Tribute Center, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Wilbraham United Church, 500 Main Street, Wilbraham. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital (https://lovetotherescue.org/). Burial will be held at a later date in Woodland Dell Cemetery in Wilbraham.

Published by The Republican from Dec. 10 to Dec. 12, 2021.