George Gatcha

George Gatcha, husband of Penny (Hutter) Gatcha peacefully entered Eternal Rest surrounded by his family on October 1, 2024; two days after celebrating his 84th birthday.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on September 29, 1940, he was the son of the late George and Anna (Lockman) (Gatcha) Hanick. Following the death of his father in 1942, Anna married Frank Hanick who raised George as his own son.

George was a 1959 graduate of Wilkes-Barre Township High School where he was an all around athlete, earning 16 varsity letters and a Division 1 Scholarship to the University of Maryland, where he played football.

He later became a Pennsylvania State Trooper, graduating from the 6th Class in the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, PA. He proudly served with the Pennsylvania State Police for 29 years. After retiring, George and Penny moved to Lewes, DE where they lived for 16 years until recently deciding that it was time to return to their roots in PA.

George was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Byzantine Catholic Church, a life member of Phoenixville Knights of Columbus Council #1374, Fourth Degree member of Fr. Tomko Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #37, Delaware Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #2, Victor Emmanuel Italian Club, Friendship Fire Company in Royersford, along with many other social and football travelers clubs.

George treasured the many friendships he made along his life's journey. He especially cherished deep and unconditional love for his family including: his wife of 51 1/2 years, Penny, and his children, George Michael  "Bink", J. Philip "Duke" (Bridget), and Jillian, his "Dolly" (Chris).

His legacy of love will continue through his grandchildren: George Michael E., Nicholas, Aiden, Annagail, Mary, Lizzy, Macrina, and Nathaniel George.

A viewing will be held in the Devlin - Gatcha Funeral Home, 517 S. Main Street, Phoenixville, PA on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  A Panachida Service will be held at 7:00 pm.

On Monday, October 7, 2024 another time for viewing will be held in St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 2340 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA  from 9:30 to 11:15 am.  His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am with Rev. William Gore officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Mont Clare, PA.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Sisters of St. Basil the Great, 500 W. Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401. Mount Saint Macrina in Uniontown is where our family has spent Labor Day weekends on retreat for the past 50 years, the past September included, and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. These contributions may be sent directly to the Sisters or given to our family to send.