Bernard L. Gatchell

NORWAY – Bernard L. Gatchell, 80, of Saint Petersburg, Fla., and Norway, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at his Maine home. He was the husband of Mary A. (Staples) Gatchell, who celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Dec. 24, 2020.He was born on February 26, 1941 in South Paris, a son of the late Hiram R. and Verna (Bernard) Gatchell. Grew up in South Paris, ME attending local area schools and graduating from South Paris High School. After graduation, he joined the National Guard as a Supply Sargent.He also went to work for Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston as the manager of engineering. From there he moved on to become the Director of Transportation and Engineering for Telstar Region High School in Bethel, then moved on to ServiceMaster Healthcare Management Division in Troy, N.Y., as the Facilities Manager. He retired in 2004 from Sodexo Northeast as Vice President of Northeast Facilities Management.Bernie served as President of Winston Park Condominium Homeowners Association in Saint Petersburg, Fla., from 2011 – 2020; he was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and an active member of the Second Congregational Church, UCC of Norway. Besides his wife he is survived by his children Tasha Moody and her husband Mike of Bellevue, NE, Dena Dunn and her husband Jeff of Naples, ME and Bernie Gatchell II and his wife Kassi of Portland, ME. He also leaves behind six grandchildren Dani, Jason, Kaity, Daniel, Shayla and Kiaya and his sister Betty Leidy of Meriden, CT.He was also the brother of the late Hiram Gatchell Jr., Bessie Berube, Anna Johnson, Julia Frost and Gladys Smith.A private family graveside service will be held at a later date at Evergreen Cemetery, 672 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME.Please visit http://www.AdvantagePortland.com to sign Bernie’s guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.