William R Gestrich

William R. Gestrich age 91 passed away suddenly on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at home in Shannondell in Audubon, PA. Born in Pittsburgh to the late Robert W. and Gladys Gestrich, he graduated Shaler High School before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was a WWII Veteran, serving as part of the Third Army’s intelligence group while in France. Returning home he took advantage of the G.I. Bill to attend West Virginia Univ., earning a B.S. of Chemical Engineering. He then worked for Mellon Institute, Sinclair-Koppers Co. and ARCO, producing new plastics used in shopping bags and industry. He raised his family in Allison Park, PA, and served for a number of years as a volunteer at the Parkwood United Presbyterian Church and as its scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 370, along with being chairman of the Hampton Twp Sanitary Authority. He moved from Allison Park to West Chester with ARCO, retiring and then moving to Audubon. There he and his wife became founding residents of Shannondell. They also were members of the Paoli Presbyterian Church. William is survived by his wife of 65 years, Yolanda M. (nee Skiles); 2 sons, Richard and his wife Beatrice of Oviedo, FL, and David and his wife Suzanne of Holmdel, NJ; 1 grandchild, Bryce Gestrich; and 2 step-grandchildren, Kennard Johnson and Kimberly Johnson. He was predeceased by his brother Robert. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11am on Tuesday, July 5th at Paoli Presbyterian Church, 225 S. Valley Rd., Paoli, Pa 19301. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Condolences may be made by visiting www.meyersfh.com. Arrangements entrusted to Szpindor-Meyers Funeral Home.