William H. Gatchel Jr.

William H. Gatchel Jr., 79, of Glassboro, NJ, was led home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on May 5, 2026.

He was born April 5, 1947, in Woodbury, NJ, to William H. Gatchel Sr. and Marion V. (Bates) Gatchel.

He was the beloved husband and best friend of Margaret A. (Nicholas) Gatchel of Glassboro, NJ. Loving father of Jennifer M. Gatchel and William H. Gatchel III (Edwina), both of Glassboro, NJ. Proud Pop-Pop to Hayley C. Schmidt and Noah G. Schmidt.

He is also survived by Edna M. Rohloff (William), Linda Gatchel (Robert), Larry Murphy (Barbara), and James Galley (Nancy), along with many nieces and nephews.

William proudly served his country in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant while stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War, where he worked as a radio and coding operator. A dedicated patriot, he displayed unwavering courage and commitment and was deeply respected by his fellow servicemen.

Margaret and William met in February 1970 at her home in Berlin, NJ. Later that month, he stopped by the house and was so nervous. Instead of asking her out, he asked, "Is Gus here?" (his brother Bobby). It took another two weeks for him to gather the courage to finally ask, "Wanna take a ride?".

He was a serious, dependable, protective, caring and loving husband for 55 years. He affectionately called Margaret "woman," and she called him "my love."

"I would do it all over again," Margaret said.

They had two beautiful children together, whom he loved and protected deeply. He will be missed beyond words.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm followed by a funeral service and Military Honors at the LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home and Crematory, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ. Cremation will be private.

Please, no flowers. Please donation to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street,

New York, NY 10016 or use this link, Donations@kidney.org.