Gregory Gnall Obituary

Gregory Gnall

Gregory "Greg" Joseph Gnall, 76, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Sunday morning, July 27. He was the loving husband of Theresa (McDonald) Gnall, his sweetheart for 53 wonderful years.

Born in Shenandoah, Gregory was a son of the late Joseph and Julia (Pascavage) Gnall. He was of the Byzantine Catholic faith. He graduated from Mahanoy Area High School in 1967, attended Williamson Trade School, and received an associate degree in Electrical Engineering from Penn State University. Greg served honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and had the utmost respect for our veterans.

A man of many talents, he was a meticulous mason and welder early in his career. He enjoyed being an electrical foreman at Lehigh Coal & Navigation for many years. He was a member of the Coaldale American Legion and St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahanoy City. Greg was an avid fisherman, archer, and hunter, who was humane in his craft. Deer, groundhogs and starlings are now breathing a sigh of relief, for if Greg was near, they were in fear. Always one to follow rules, he instructed his young daughter to throw back a largemouth bass because it was one day before the season began. Although Greg suffered a life-altering injury to his back at age 27, he never complained about his health or the daily pain he endured. He was a lover of life and the great outdoors; only his family and friends did he cherish more.

He was a devoted spouse to his soulmate and a dedicated caregiver to his late brother-in-law, John (McDonald). Greg was an unconditionally loving father. His world revolved around his daughter, whom, as a child, was his shadow everywhere he went. Through his daughter's marriage, he gained a devoted son, Ben, whom he loved unconditionally. Greg was most proud of his grandchildren and left them with many fond memories to cherish, including Pop-Pop's mixed-up, twisted fairy tales, sliding down mountains of coal and catching bluegills at a dear friend's farm. In return, his family and friends loved and cared for him just as fiercely as he did them. Whether you were a friend or stranger in need, Greg would not hesitate to give you the shirt off his back, fix your car, or make you a cheesecake.

In honor of Greg's memory, please consider taking a moment to connect with nature and hold the people that you love close.

"Human dignity is more precious than prestige." ~ Claudia McKayson

"To live an honest life, you should be able to lay your head down on your pillow at night and get up in the morning and look at yourself in the mirror." ~ Greg Gnall

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Gnall; and a nephew, Codey McDonald. He leaves behind to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy, his wife, Theresa; a daughter, Laura Gnall-Peter and her husband Benjamin Peter of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; one brother, Joseph Gnall and his wife Mary Louise, of Allentown; one sister, Janet Gnall of Doylestown; two grandchildren, Neena and Cash Peter; three nephews, Joseph Gnall, Michael Gnall, and Matthew Bausch; and one niece, Carra Caroll.

Service: The Office of Christian Burial with Divine Liturgy will be held at 11 AM on Monday, August 4 in St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, 621 West Mahanoy Avenue, Mahanoy City with The Rev. James Carroll officiating. Interment in Sky-View Memorial Park, Tamaqua will follow the liturgy. Call 6-8 PM on Sunday, August 3 at the Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home, 500 East Broad Street, Tamaqua and from 10-11 AM on Monday, August 4 in the church. Parastas will be held at 7:30 PM on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials in Gregory's name may be made to St. Luke's Hospice, 801 Ostrum Street Bethlehem, PA 18015.

The family extends a sincere thank you to their neighbors in Seek who assisted them during Gregory's illness, especially Glenn, Will, Orlando, and Lou and friends, Patricia, and Tom Schieffer. Online condolences may be made at www.zgfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Zizelmann-Gulla Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Tamaqua.