Dr. William G. Gaskins, Jr

Dr. William G. Gaskins, Jr., 81, of Harrisburg died in his home on February 4, 2011. Dr. Bill, as he was affectionately known, was born on August 25, 1929 in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late
William Gaskins and Earlene Wright. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1951 with a degree in Elementary Education. Bill would go on to receive both his Master's and Doctorate of Education from Pitt. Bill also served in the Army National Guard for sixteen years where he participated in the Army Marching Band. While at Pitt, Bill also lettered as a member of the Pitt Marching Band.

Bill continued to teach in Pittsburgh city schools for the next sixteen years before moving into school administration and eventually into a position as Director of Intergroup and Education Services with the Pennsylvania State Education Association in Harrisburg, PA. Bill retired from PSEA in 1997 after 27 years of service. Throughout his retirement, Bill continued to work in education services and strategic planning via his own company, Learnspace Associates. Bill was passionate about life-long learning, maintaining a positive attitude, and his grandchildren.
Bill was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Harrisburg; a life-long member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; and a proud member of Sigma Pi Phi.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Trudy; sons: Anthony of Cleveland, OH; William and wife
Melanie of Harrisburg, PA; daughter, Kristin Dunn and husband Patrick of Aledo, TX; grandchildren: Ashley, Bradley, Evan and Anthony, Jr. Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Audrey Mitchell and Arlene Cawthon.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be hosted by his family and held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 248 Seneca Street, Harrisburg, on February 12 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the South Central Pennsylvania Sickle Cell Association, 2000 Linglestown Road, Suite 204, Harrisburg, PA or St. Paul's Episcopal Church youth programs.