Phillip "Butch" Gocal Sr.

Phillip "Butch" Gocal Sr, 74 of Erie, made his final run around the bases on Friday October 1, 2021. He's now enjoying a slice of lemon meringue pie with heavenly friends and family.

 Born on May 12, 1947 in Union City PA, to the late Philip Gocal and Loretta Mohr Gocal. Phil was a country boy who lived for baseball. Starting at age 4, "Butch" was always in the sandlot with his best friends. Played T-ball, baseball during school; teams R&A Tavern, LeBoeuf Lanes, T&A Tavern, Crowe's and his over 40 League - Budweiser.

 After graduating from Fort LeBoeuf, he was drafted to the Army, was a Sergeant for the 1st Armored Tanker Division "aka" Old Ironsides in Fort Hood, TX from 1966-68. After serving honorably, he was hired as a dispatcher at GE, retiring after 39 years.

 Phil enjoyed tending to his huge vegetable garden, sports, collecting hats and baseballs, going to Seawolves games, Ricky Nelson, Saturday Softball dinner group, Bob Ross, his blue truck, sudoku, family trips to Disney World, summer vacations and most of all - being a Papa. His grandkids were the light of his life. 

 Preceded in death by siblings David Gocal and Kathy Gocal. 

 Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Margaret 'Peggy' Gocal. Three children, Krista Peeters (Christopher), Phillip Gocal Jr. and Michael "Mook" Gocal (Beth Pinter). Siblings Susan Capela (Stephen) and Toni Gocal. World's Greatest Papa to Kayla, Phillip III, Clare, Emma, Alexander, Annabella, Eden, Tallia and had many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

 Papa will be dropping his pocket full of spare change from Heaven for his little ones, so be on the lookout for "Papa Pennies."

 Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.  Arrangements are entrusted to Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc., Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Road, Erie, PA 16510.

 Memorials can be made to VNA of Erie County, 2253 W Grandview Blvd, Erie, PA 16506 or Sarah Reed Senior Living, 227 West 22nd Street, Erie, PA 16502. We would like to thank everyone for the outstanding care they provided Phil and our family.