GERMANTOWN - Michael A. Gaschel passed away on Tuesday, April 13 in Florida. Born in Hudson, NY on April 6, 1945, he had just turned 76. He was the son of the late John and Nellie (Grater) Gaschel.
Mike will be fondly remembered by all, especially by his beloved wife of 49 years, Ellen (Wright), his daughter, Rebecca (Eric) Clark of Hillsdale, his son Jason of Hobe Sound, FL, his granddaughter Lindsey Clark of Hillsdale, his sister Nancy Gardner of Massachusetts, his brother John Gaschel of Livingston and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Phyllis Broast and Claire Griffin, brothers Richard “Yubby” and Joseph Gaschel and his daughter-in-law, Donna (Rooney) Gaschel.
Mike attended St. Mary’s Academy then graduated from Germantown Central School in 1963. Cars and trucks were always a passion for him. His name was synonymous with Chevrolet as he sold them in the area for almost 50 years. His honesty led to repeat business as his neighbors trusted they were getting a good deal and many can even remember him selling them their first cars. He knew everyone, not necessarily by name, but by the car that they drove! Starting at Boyce Chevrolet in Red Hook in 1965, Mike spent the bulk of his career at Rhinebeck Chevrolet. There he was very successful, obtaining awards for repeatedly being top salesman in the Tarrytown zone and was honored by the Chevrolet Legion of Leaders.
Mike loved his family and never missed a chance to be with them. He enjoyed boating on the Hudson River, attending Nascar races and baseball games with his son in Florida, cheering on his granddaughter at sporting events and traveling. Mike spent many wonderful years camping with friends and family and always enjoyed great local food. Mike received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army National Guard and was a member of the Germantown Hose Co.
Arrangements are through Bates & Anderson Funeral Home. Services will be held on Saturday, April 24 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church in Hudson. A Christian burial will follow in the Church of the Nativity in Linlithgo. Fellowship and refreshments will be provided at the Central House in Germantown. Due to Covid-19, proper safety measures will be followed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Michael J Fox Foundation, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014 or The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, P.O. Box 5028, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028.