Benjamin Arthur Gatchell III

Born in Marblehead, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Doris (Martin) Gatchell.

He was the devoted father of Benjamin A. Gatchell IV, of Maine, Beth A. O’Connor and her beloved spouse (deceased) Edward G. O'Connor, Douglas J. Gatchell of Marblehead and Joshua H. Gatchell and his wife Heather Gatchell of Marblehead, the cherished grandfather of Noel E. St. Hilaire, and her husband Eric St. Hilaire of Salem, Johanna I. Apostoloff of Salem, George E. O’Connor of Del Valle, TX, James J. O'Connor of Del Valle, TX, Lily R. Gatchell of Swampscott, Benjamin J. Gatchell of Marblehead and Gavin Kamps of Marblehead ; the adoring great-grandfather of Summer St.Hilaire of Salem; and the dear brother of Celia (Bear) Gatchell of Marblehead. He is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ben was raised in Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School with the class of 1952. He attended college at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where he was one of, if not the smartest student there, and if you asked him he would tell you! He excelled in mathematics and was a skilled writer and speaker. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. He raised his family in Marblehead, eventually purchasing land and building his home. He worked as a linesman for New England Telephone for many years until his retirement. He was a dedicated member and Past Commander and Quartermaster of the VFW Post 2005, a member of the Gerry 5 and the Market Squares club, Marblehead.

Ben was confident and determined in everything he did. He could be found outside chopping wood or up on a ladder fixing his roof into his eighties, much to his families dismay. He ran the table playing pool at the Gerry 5 just a few weeks before his passing. In his younger years he was a great football player and enjoyed playing softball well into his old age. He was a true patriot and took a strong interest in politics. He ran for U.S. Congress twice and never compromised on principle. He was a Marine and a man of the best caliber. Above all he was a devoted family man and the best father and husband to grace a family. His family meant the world to him. Many Marbleheaders will remember him fondly as a coach for hockey and baseball who inspired them to be the very best they could be. He was a winner through and through. They simply don't make em like Ben Gatchell, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 8th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Monday, September 9th at 12:00 noon followed by burial in Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114 or via www.shrinerschildrens.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for the Gatchell family.