Clair "Lefty" E. Gochenauer
July 14, 1952 — February 27, 2015
Clair “Lefty” E. Gochenauer
Fun-loving Musician -
Clair “Lefty” E. Gochenauer, age 62, of Carlisle , died at Holy Spirit Hospital on Friday, February 27, 2015. Lefty was born on Monday, July 14, 1952 in Mechanicsburg to the late Warren Lee “Barney” Gochenauer and Esther Evangeline (Slusser) Gochenauer. In addition to his parents, Lefty is preceded in death by his brother, David Gochenauer.
Lefty’s survivors include his partner, Tammy J. Dorsey; his siblings: Daryl Gochenauer, of Mechanicsburg, Nancy Hornberger and her husband, Dean, of Mechanicsburg; his sister-in- law, Pat Gochenauer, of Dillsburg; his nieces and nephews: Joel Gochenauer and his wife, Robin, Heidi (Hornberger) Milbrand and her husband, Don, Jennifer (Gochenauer) Speiser, her husband, Chad, and their children, Hanna and Chad, Eric Hornberger, his wife, Kristen, and their children, Abigail and Jacob, Joshua Gochenauer, his wife, Maureen, and their daughter, Megan; his uncle, Martin Slusser, of Dillsburg; his aunt, Cora Kime, of Dillsburg; and numerous cousins.
Lefty graduated from Cumberland Valley High School as part of the class of 1970. He retired from Carlisle Tire & Wheel , after 38 years of service. He was a member of the White Circle Club of Carlisle. Some of Lefty’s favorite things included bird-watching and wood-working; sometimes combining the two by crafting bluebird houses. Lefty’s true passion was music. He was a drummer, guitarist, and singer in a few bands; including the Railroaders, Jay Earle & the Oak Grove Band, and Nite-Life Band, with whom he recorded a record called Save Your Nickels . He liked listening to the Grand Ole Opry live. One of his fondest times was seeing the Alamo with Tammy on their 14-day trip throughout 15 states. Lefty was always in for a good time with family and friends, and he liked setting off firecrackers at gatherings.
All are welcome to join Lefty’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, March 4, 2015, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Lutheran Church , 30 West Main Street, New Kingstown, PA 17072; with Pastor Caitlin Glass officiating. Interment will follow in Trindle Spring Cemetery in Mechanicsburg. Lefty’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church , 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, following the interment. Cremation was private.
The family suggests memorial contributions to American Cancer Society - Capital Area Unit, P.O. Box 897, Hershey, PA 17033; or Project Share Food Bank, 5 North Orange Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.
Lefty’s family has entrusted his care to Myers – Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421. Read Lefty’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, and sign his official guest book at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .