Obituary of Wayne C. Gatchell

Wayne C. Gatchell passed away at home surrounded by those who loved him best, after a knock-down drag out fight with esophageal cancer on July 13th, 2018. He was 54 years old. Wayne is predeceased by his beloved father William C. Gatchell Jr. of Searsport and his favorite Uncle Philip “Butchy” Osle of Unionville CT. He is survived by his loving mother Sarah “Sally” M. Gatchell of Searsport, his only brother Steven M. and wife Mary Gatchell of Stonington and by his adoring daughters Heather L. and Audrey E. Gatchell of South Yarmouth MA. He also leaves his Aunt Jean Gonsalves of Westfield MA and Cathy “Citty” Sonnenburg of Avon CT as well as many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Wayne graduated from Belfast Area High School in 1982 and joined the Navy where he served on the U.S.S. Trenton LPD-14 in Grenada and in Beirut during the Israeli Lebanon crisis. After the Navy, Wayne was employed at Bath Iron Works and was a Liberty volunteer Assistant Fire Chief for many years. A gearhead, Pats fan, fishing guru, animal lover, and music enthusiast, Wayne’s passion for fun always made him the best partner in crime for an outdoor adventure. He could fill a room with laughter as soon as he walked through the door and mastered many skills during his 54 years of life. The family would like to thank the Cancer Care of Maine Oncology Department at Waldo County Hospital for all their support, and his neighbors in Maritime Woods Cindy and Shirlene for their friendship and kindness through the years. A heartfelt thank you to Linda Gatchell, Shirley and Sara Osle, Bella Cistulli, Breanna and Garrett Gatchell, and his navy buddy Neil Murphy for their compassion and kindness during Wayne’s final days. Wayne will be laid to rest at Grove Cemetery, Belfast with a grave side service. In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes to may make a donation in his name to the Cancer Care of Maine Oncology Department at Waldo County Hospital. You can also pay it forward with a random act of kindness to someone in need in his honor.