Kenneth Gochal

Kenneth Gochal, 74, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones at his home on October 5, 2024. Born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey on January 25, 1950 to Joseph P. and Assunta (Martellucci) Gochal, Ken often moved as a child due to his father's job as a civilian for the US Army. Ken spent his early years in places as varied as Orleans, France, and Lexington, Kentucky before settling in Chambersburg, where he graduated from Chambersburg High School in 1967.

Ken continued his education at the University of Maryland, earning his bachelor's degree in Social Studies in 1971 and later obtained his master's degree in special education from Western Maryland College. For 35 years, he devoted his career to teaching special education at Shippensburg Area High School. Ken actively supported extracurricular activities such as refereeing track and field, being the graduating class faculty advisor, and helping with Special Olympics. He also served with the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department as an emergency medical technician.

Ken enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was fond of golfing with his fellow teachers, learning to ski in his thirties with his wife Cheryl and their children, listening to classic and alternative rock, traveling to see his extended family, coaching Little League, and following his favorite college and professional sports teams. He particularly loved walking his dogs, especially his pointers, and that love of dogs also led him to volunteer with the Pointer Rescue Organization, transporting dogs across the northeast. 

Ken was predeceased by his father, Joseph P. Gochal; his mother, Assunta (Martellucci) Gochal; and his brother, Richard J. Gochal. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Cheryl (Mitstifer) Gochal of Chambersburg; his sister, Susan DeAstris (Warren Smith) of Williamsburg VA; his son, Joseph R. Gochal, and daughter-in-law, Claire C.B. Gochal, of Duxbury, MA; Michael P. Redding (Stephanie J. Smith) of Brick, New Jersey; Erin M. Redding (Collin T. Keyser) of Lancaster, PA; and Tara A. Redding (Michael G. Rose) of Chambersburg. He was also a proud grandfather to Mary and Alice Gochal and Colette Keyser.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Ken’s memory can be made to PointerRescue.org and/or the Fayetteville Volunteer Fire Department. 

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.fogelsanger-brickerfuneralhome.com.