Joseph A. Gothie, Sr.

Joseph A. Gothie, Sr., 82, of West Chester, PA, passed away May 1, 2024.

Born December 31, 1941 in Mahanoy City, PA, he was a son of the late Joseph J. and Maryanne (nee Alansky) Gothie.

Joe was the beloved husband of Jean A. (nee Spadaro) Gothie; loving father of Monica Tornetta (Frank), Michelle Ingham (Kevin), and Joseph A. Gothie, Jr. (Vicky); adoring grandfather of Kelly, Paul “Tripp”, Abbey, Audrey, Avery, Wesley, and Evan; and dear brother of Fran Gothie (Janice) and Ray Gothie (Christine).

Joe was a member of the class of 1959 of Monsignor Bonner Catholic High School in Delaware County and graduated from Saint Joseph’s College class of 1963 where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting while simultaneously training in the U.S. Air Force ROTC and lettering all four years for the Hawk’s baseball team. He greatly enjoyed playing organized ball for 70 years of his life.    

He served his country in the U.S. Air Force and attained the rank of captain as a navigator and member of the One Thousand Hour Club guiding the C-130 Hercules Transport. His duties included combat deployment during the Vietnam War and vital support missions during the historic flights of the Gemini astronauts. He was honorably discharged from active service in 1968 and served in the U.S Air Force Reserve until 1976. He was a proud member of the America Legion and helped various organizations supporting veterans of the U.S. Military.   

His professional career included executive management positions at the aerospace and defense division of Ford Motor Company, Magnavox and DRS Technologies, Inc.   

He always looked forward to the annual reunions and traditions on Lithuanian Day each August at Lakewood Park and later in Shenandoah Township with his aunts, uncles and cousins. He was an avid follower of Philadelphia sports supporting his teams stretching back to the days of Connie Mack Stadium and Franklin Field.

Joe was a gentle soul and a faithful member of Saints Simon and Jude Parish. He was especially devoted to the Blessed Mother and adoration each week with his fellow parishioners in the Sacred Heart Chapel.

His love and commitment to his family and enduring friendships were evident every day of his life.   

We are grateful to God for Joe’s life and for his example. Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Ss. Simon and Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Court, West Chester, PA 19382, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:30 AM. Interment at Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.