Chester F. Gill, 86, formerly of Natrona Heights, PA, died on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the Wexford Healthcare Center, Wexford, PA.

Chester was born on Tuesday, April 2, 1929 in McKees Rocks, PA to the late Valentine and Agnes (Marshall) Gill.  He was a graduate of McKees Rocks High School class of 1947 and upon graduation entered the US Army where he served in Korea and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1952.  Chester graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, received a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and did advanced graduate study in economics for more than 2 years from Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.  A retired teacher, Chester taught economics for 37 years for the Har-Brack and Highlands school districts in Harrison Township where he also trained students as an assistant football and head track and cross country coach for 17 years.  Additionally, he initiated the Foreign Exchange Program in the 1950s.  He was a member of the VFW Post 894 in Natrona Heights, the First United Presbyterian Church in Tarentum, PA and a long-time coordinator of a program that helped families at Christmas.  Chester was an avid reader, enjoyed sports, traveling, charity work, and spending time with his family and friends.   

Chester is survived by his wife of 60 years, Diane Walker Gill; his children: John (Jodi) Gill of Pine Twp., PA and Denise Thimons of New Kensington, PA; 6 grandchildren: Katelyn, Meghan, and Jacob Gill and Daniel (Liz), Dana, and Ashley Thimons; and 4 great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Helen Kurelis and Edward Gill.

In honor of Chester’s life, family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the First United Presbyterian Church, 913 Lock St, Tarentum, PA 15084 where the Rev. Philip Beck will preside.  Arrangements are under the care of ROBERT PETERS FUNERAL HOME INC., 1521 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 (724-224-7730). 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hope Center, 500 E. Eighth Avenue, Tarentum, PA 15084. 

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