Westborough – We have lost a great man from the greatest generation – a man who always embraced the challenge of helping others and authentically welcomed the opportunity to make anyone smile.
Linwood W. “Bob” Gatley, 94, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2011 in the company of loved ones at the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center. He was the husband of the late Bethel Mason Gatley.
Born Dec. 18, 1916 in Portland, Maine, he was the son of the late William and Ora Merrill Gatley. While attending Norway High School in Maine, he was a member of the Army National Guard. He later graduated from Springfield College and received his M. Ed. from Boston University.
Mr. Gatley began his teaching career in physical education in Berlin, N.Y. in 1939. He went on to teach at Emory University in Georgia prior to joining the U.S. Navy, where he served his country in the Pacific during World War II. Post war, he resumed his career in the Newton Public Schools where he remained in education for 34 years.
He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Westborough Players” Club, and the American Legion. He served on the Westborough School Committee and was faithfully committed to local volunteer efforts, including the Westborough Food Pantry.
He is survived by one daughter, Lynn G. Hall of Westborough; four sons, Richard A. Gatley of Keene, N.H., Bryan Gatley of Grafton, J. Scott Gatley of Acton, and Jeff M. Gatley of Worcester; a devoted friend, Ann Carlstrom; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
A public graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10:30 a.m., in the Pine Grove Cemetery on South Street in Westborough. There will be no calling hours. The Rand-Harper-Pickering Westborough Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Donations in his memory may be made to the L. W. Gatley Scholarship Fund, c/o Avidia Bank, 100 East Main St., Westborough, MA 01581.
