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Robert "Scats" P. Gathercole, Jr.

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Robert "Scats" P. Gathercole, Jr., 59, of Coatesville, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, August 14, 2013 while at his favorite vacation location, Ocean City, MD. He was the beloved husband of Joann Nikodemski Gathercole with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Robert and Shirley Rubincan Gathercole, Sr.

Bob was employed for 40 years by Arcelor Mittal Steel Co. in Coatesville as a furnace operator. Affectionately known as "Chief Hometown" he served the communities of western Chester County through the following fire departments; member of the Westwood Fire Company since the age of 14 where he served as Fire Chief for 15 years, member of the Modena and West End Fire Companies, and he served as a Trustee at Washington Hose Co. in Coatesville. He currently served as a Safety Officer at Keystone Valley Fire Department in Parkesburg.  He was a member of the Fire Chief Assoc. of Chester County. Scats was also a Board member of the Kingsway Independent Church. Besides serving his community and church, he enjoyed antique cars and country music.

 

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by three children; Robert P. Gathercole, III of Westwood and girlfriend Megan Perine of Pomeroy, Brian E. Gathercole and wife Kim of Coatesville and Tammy, wife of Robert Guiney, III of Parkesburg, four grandchildren; Nate, Kylee, Brianna and Kelsey and five siblings; Kenneth of Modena, Barry of Ronks, Timothy of S. Coatesville, Karen Rhodes of Coatesville and Joseph of Modena.

 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 12:00 noon at Gateway Grace Community Church, 160 Cowan Rd, Parkesburg, PA followed by interment at the Upper Octorara Cemetery, Parkesburg. Viewing at the church from 9 am to 12 noon. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations my be made in his memory to the Kingsway Independent Church, 55 Morris Ave. Coatesville, PA 19320. 

 

Arrangements entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, PA.

Online condolences may be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com

Condolences

We are so very sorry for you loss. Scats will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. My the lord be standing with you during your time of need.

Submitted by Laura Taylor an... on
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We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Scats, he will be truly missed by family, friends,fire co. members, workers of Mittal Steel, and all....
We enjoyed all the times we were together with him,Lots of Fun Times,
Lots of Hugs, Kisses, and Prayers To You All....gwen and john

Submitted by gwen and john p... on
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We are so sorry to hear of your loss... Of a husband, a father , and a grandfather. He was so very proud of all of you. Our hearts and thoughts are with you. God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand in these difficult days.
Jerry and Judi

Submitted by Judi and Jerry Flynn on
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Joannn, Brian, Bobby,Tammy and family, So sorry to hear about Scats, so shocked. He was such a good and happy guy. Loved by all . He will be missed . I will miss him riding by my house on his bike, waving . You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Phyllis Short

Submitted by Phyllis Short on
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Joanne, Tammy and family, so very sad to hear of your loss. I grew up with Scats, he was always funny and kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you feel the comfort of the Lords hands on you all.
Vickie (Pechin) & Dave Raysor

Submitted by Vickie Raysor on
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Just wanted to send our condolences and prayers to the entire Gathercole family. He was a good friend from the time we were 5 years old and will be greatly missed.

Submitted by Ken Smith Sr an... on
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Scats,
Words cannot express the way we feel right now, you were one of the most unique persons we have had the pleasure to work with on the fire grounds and to sit down and have fellowship with on many, many occasions. We are going to miss you Chief Hometown! Rest easy my friend and Godspeed.

Submitted by Earl & Jackie on
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sorry about your lost,went to school with Brian. Rip scats

Submitted by william eckman on
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My thoughts and prayers are with all the Gathercole Family. Scats was one of a kind and will be missed greatly.

Submitted by Kathie Osborn on
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Hello Joann and family,
You are in my thoughts today. So sorry for your loss.
Warm regards,
Debbie

Submitted by Debbie Lynch on
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My greatests condolences to the whole family. I know he will
be missed alot in the community and at work. All our prayers to
the family. Until we meet again Scats rest in peace.

Submitted by Anonymous on
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Ran with Scats at Washies. Sorry for your loss.

Submitted by Barry Ross on
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Words cannot really express the sympathy needed to understand the loss of a loved one. Scats was a veritable man of honor and dedicated serviceman to the community. I have fond memories of his presence at Westwood little league baseball games, where I shared a team with his son Brian. He always had a smile, and was an encouraging person. Although I am unable to attend the life celebration services today, it is with deep sympathy that I express my sorrow for the loss, of a grandfather, father, uncle and husband and will be with you in prayer.

Submitted by Bruce Jenkins on
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Sending our love and sympathy as we remember Scats today and always...a poem that may help a little today and in the days to come...RIP Scats...
WHEN I MUST LEAVE YOU

When I must leave you for a little while, please do not grieve and shed wild tears, just hug your sorrows to you, through the upcoming years.

Just start out bravely with a gallant smile; And for my sake and for my name
Live on and do all the things the same.

Feed not your loneliness on empty days ,but fill each waking hour in useful ways.

Reach out your hands in comfort and in cheer, And I in turn will comfort you and hold you ever near.

And please, never, ever be afraid to die, For I am waiting for you in the sky.

Submitted by Tina and Rick Axe on
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We are so sorry for your loss.Sending Prayers for your Family.Scats was a great Man.Have so many great memories from the beach,growing up.I will never forget him.Sending hugs.

Submitted by Midge & Rick on
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SCATS,
I will miss you waving at me when I drive through the Westend. I think now of all the times I drove down Charles Street,and you know what, I was looking for you to waive at me. I think I needed that waive to make my tour a good one. GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU BROTHER. My prayers are with your family.

Submitted by Joe Friel on
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To His Loving Family,
Truly a good man to whom when made the mold was broken.
A person who has left a legend behind, and the warm admiration he
has humbly earned by many. We shall carry our fondest memories of
Skats forever. GOD BLESS

Submitted by Chris & Teresa Lyons on
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I have many memories of Scats especially of working fire scenes together.
He will be remembered for his dedication and service to his community...he was an all around nice guy and I am sure he will be missed by many people he touched along his life's journey.
Please accept my condolences.

Russ Kilmer

Submitted by Russ Kilmer FM102 on
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