Obituaries

William David Gollatz, 76

August 25, 2024

William David Gollatz, 76, of Millersville PA passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at his home in the arms of his loving wife. He was born in Lancaster, PA to the late Karl A. and Kathlene V. (Keller) Gollatz.

Like his father and brothers, Bill was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, and served from 1966 to 1969 and earned the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Returning from the Navy, Bill met the love of his life, and his wife of 53 years, Kathy. After a 30-year career as an electrician for Armstrong, Bill worked as an elevator inspector until he retired in early 2024.

Bill loved to make people smile. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, a civil war historian and reenactor, photographer, NASCAR enthusiast, and a loving father and husband. For 21 years, he dedicated his time to the Millersville swim team, fulfilling roles such as meet director, and also belonged to the Lancaster Harley Owners Group Chapter.

Bill is survived by his wife, Mary Kathleen (White) Gollatz of Millersville; his son William J. Gollatz of Millersville; his son Christopher M. Gollatz and his wife Vania of Bridgeport; his son Shawn P. Gollatz of Lancaster; his brother James R. Gollatz of Allentown; his sister Alice Simmons of Glen Rock; his sister Mariana Rivera of Oakland, CA; and his sister Jane E. Boyer of Palmyra. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Though his presence will be greatly missed, the memories, lessons, and smiles he left behind will continue to inspire and guide his loved ones. His life was a profound blessing to his wife and sons and will be celebrated as his memory lives on.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Friends will be received by family on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at St Philip The Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 2111 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA from 9:00-10:00 AM, with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

April 02, 2025

Shawn, I am so sorry for your loss. ~*hugs*~
L. G.

September 19, 2024

Kathy and family: Dean and I were deeply saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. We both have fond memories of Bill making us laugh and smile at the HOG meetings and while on rides. And, of course, Dean enjoyed working with Bill at Armstrong.
Please know you and your family and Bill’s friends are in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.
With sympathy, Pat and Dean Nissley

September 18, 2024

Bill was a great guy. We had a lot of fun reenacting out on the “battlefield.”” Those are some of the best days and memories of my life and hopefully of his too. So sorry for his loss. Larry Alexander

September 12, 2024

Bill infused my childhood with joy. He created for me, a world where dreams were a part. He shared laughter at the most difficult moments through his loving , big heart. Oh what a gentle surprise! What a wonderful big brother he was. So sorry for your your immeasurable loss . Lovingly, Jane Boyer

September 11, 2024

Sorry for your loss, golly I think about Armstrong, and the women who worked here.
I lost my husband in 2018 after an auto accident. You and your family are in my prayers!
Nancy Amico

September 10, 2024

Kathy and famiy,
John and I send you our sympathies. Bill was a great guy and he will be missed.
John and Lynn Gebhart

September 08, 2024

Dear Kathy and family,
John and I are so deeply sorry to see of Bill’s passing and want to offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you be comforted by friends and family and know he is in the hands of our Dear Savior and His Blessed Mother. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all of you during this most difficult time.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
John and Nancy Straw

September 08, 2024

So sorry to hear your lost. Bill was a great neighbor and fellow military brother. He will be missed. Sending you my Prayers and Love.
Robert Lewis

September 08, 2024

Kathy and family
Dean and I send our deepest sympathies in the loss of Bill.
Dean and Anne Gantz

September 08, 2024

Our very deepest condolences to Kathy, BJ, Chris, Vania and Shawn. We have so many memories of shared good times with Bill over the years going as far back as to when he & Dave were kids in the same Sunday school classes. Please know that he will be in our thoughts & prayers as will all of you as you navigate the difficult days, weeks, & months ahead.
Dave & Pam Schwebel

Visitation: Saturday, September 21, 2024; 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM; St Philip The Apostle Roman Catholic Church; 2111 Millersville Pike; Lancaster, PA
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Services: Saturday, September 21, 2024; 10:00 AM; St Philip The Apostle Roman Catholic Church; 2111 Millersville Pike; Lancaster, PA
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >