Robert "Scats" P. Gathercole, Jr.

Robert "Scats" P. Gathercole, Jr., 59, of Coatesville, passed away suddenly, Wednesday, August 14, 2013 while at his favorite vacation location, Ocean City, MD. He was the beloved husband of Joann Nikodemski Gathercole with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Robert and Shirley Rubincan Gathercole, Sr.

Bob was employed for 40 years by Arcelor Mittal Steel Co. in Coatesville as a furnace operator. Affectionately known as "Chief Hometown" he served the communities of western Chester County through the following fire departments; member of the Westwood Fire Company since the age of 14 where he served as Fire Chief for 15 years, member of the Modena and West End Fire Companies, and he served as a Trustee at Washington Hose Co. in Coatesville. He currently served as a Safety Officer at Keystone Valley Fire Department in Parkesburg.  He was a member of the Fire Chief Assoc. of Chester County. Scats was also a Board member of the Kingsway Independent Church. Besides serving his community and church, he enjoyed antique cars and country music.

He is survived, in addition to his wife, by three children; Robert P. Gathercole, III of Westwood and girlfriend Megan Perine of Pomeroy, Brian E. Gathercole and wife Kim of Coatesville and Tammy, wife of Robert Guiney, III of Parkesburg, four grandchildren; Nate, Kylee, Brianna and Kelsey and five siblings; Kenneth of Modena, Barry of Ronks, Timothy of S. Coatesville, Karen Rhodes of Coatesville and Joseph of Modena.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 12:00 noon at Gateway Grace Community Church, 160 Cowan Rd, Parkesburg, PA followed by interment at the Upper Octorara Cemetery, Parkesburg. Viewing at the church from 9 am to 12 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations my be made in his memory to the Kingsway Independent Church, 55 Morris Ave. Coatesville, PA 19320.

Arrangements entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, PA.

Online condolences may be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com