Ellsworth "Ells" or "Gos" Bailey Gosnell, Jr.

Ellsworth Bailey Gosnell, Jr., 98, of New Bern, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Carolina East Medical Center. “Ells “ or “Gos” as he was affectionately known, was born April 13th, 1924 on Monterey Street, one of the historic Mexican War Streets in Pittsburgh. Pa. He was the youngest of 3 sons of Elizabeth and Ellsworth B. Gosnell, Sr..

He graduated from Millvale High School in 1941, having led his high school football team to the State Championships for which he was inducted into the Shaler Area Hall of Fame. He played the saxophone in the school jazz band, enjoyed “cutting a rug” and his dance card was always full as he loved the Era of Big Band music and especially listening to Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Eckstine.

After high school he graduated from welding school and built LSTs at Dravo Welding before being drafted into World War II to proudly serve his country, stationed in Iceland as an Anti-Aircraft Artillery sergeant. He returned stateside and briefly taught all about “the big guns” at West Point. He was honorably discharged, and returned to Millvale to marry the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Dorothy.

“Gos” then used his GI benefits to attend the University of Pittsburgh and receive both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Elementary Education. He taught in Brentwood, a suburb of Pittsburgh, before taking a principal's position in Bethel Park, Pa. Eventually he became Director of Elementary Education in Bethel Park and also served on the educational committee for St. Francis Academy in Castle Shannon. He was also instrumental in the development of the pre- school program at the First Bethel United Methodist Church and implementing annual scoliosis checks for all students in the Bethel Park School District.

He and Dorothy raised two daughters, Ellen and Beth, as well as, the perpetual plethora of rescued animals that ensued as a result. He was an active, devoted and loving father, who was a Bethel Park High School Band Booster, a leader in the YMCA father daughter program and the first male local cookie chairperson for his daughter’s girl scout troop as well as a 4-H leader. He often spent early Saturday mornings helping his youngest daughter, Beth, get ready for horseshows and cleaned many a stall. Ells would dress up as Santa Claus for the neighborhood children in Bethel Park and also enjoyed transforming into the role of Santa at the New Bern Mall in later years.

He retired to Fairfield Harbor in New Bern with his wife Dorothy in 1985, to continue to enjoy fishing, ham radio, golf, growing onions and the occasional card game. He was one of the original members of The Southern Gentlemen Barbershop Chorus and enjoyed singing Lead with them. While he was an intelligent, respectful, kind, compassionate and affable man, he was also quick witted and always enjoyed a good prank and was known for his jovial joking banter. A die hard Pitt football fan, one day he surreptitiously draped his neighbor’s Penn State Nittany Lion statue in black, when the latter team lost in the 129 year old football rivalry.

Ells enjoyed giving back to his community as a lifetime and 3rd degree member of both The Bethel Park Masonic Lodge #761 and The Knights of Columbus Council #3303, as well as, a member of the Syrian Shriners in Pittsburgh.

Ellsworth Gosnell positively impacted many lives outside of his family and friends. He lived his life by the following adage:

“It will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove….but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

He is greatly missed.

Finally reunited in peace with his beloved wife, Dorothy Gosnell, he is also pre-deceased by his brothers, Dr. Cleason Gosnell and Dr. Albert Gosnell. He is survived by his daughters, Beth Gosnell of New Bern, and Dr. Ellen Shemancik and son in law, John, of Fort Myers, Fla., grandson, Gregory Shemancik, and an abundance of loving nieces and nephews.

His family is grateful for the dedicated and loving care given him by the entire staff of Riverpoint Crest, particularly from his long term aides Uganda and Ashley. They also wish to thank the CarolinaEast Pallative Care unit, in particularly Deborah for her compassion, gentle care and support. Gratitude is also extended to Dr. Cho and his hematology staff for their consistent kindness, excellence and devotion.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The North Carolina Library for the Blind Friends of the NCLBPH 1841 Capital Boulevard Raleigh, NC 27635, https://www.friendsnclbph.org/donate.php or your favorite charity.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022 at St. Paul Catholic Church at 1:00pm. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cottenfuneralhome.com for the Gosnell family. Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Ellsworth “Ells “ or “Gos” Bailey Gosnell, Jr..