Amherst. Dr. Warren W. Bechtold of Amherst, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2015, the morning after his 86^th birthday with family close by his side.  He was born on March 7, 1929 in Laurel, Maryland to Charles and Jennie (Johannesen ) Bechtold.  Warren was married to Joan (Gagnon) Bechtold of Springfield, Massachusetts with whom he had three children, Gary, Mark and Linda; He was later married to Rosalie Williams of Cambridge, Massachusetts and adopted her daughter, Michelle.  Warren enjoyed his time with his family as a loving father, grandfather, and brother.  His passions for teaching and education were exemplified by his work in athletic training, sports therapy, physical education instruction, and his tenure as a high school athletic director.  He also enjoyed singing in choruses and choirs, golfing, playing men’s league softball, officiating lacrosse and softball, and coaching basketball, softball, and baseball throughout his life. 

Warren was pre-deceased by his brothers, Robert and Charles.  He is survived by his loving sister, Jean of New York City and her husband Barry; his four children, Gary of Cambridge, Massachusetts, his wife Ana and their children, Dariana Vasquez and Ana Rebecca; Mark of Jefferson, New Hampshire, his wife, Dawn and their children Sara and Joshua; and Linda Michaud of Pelham, Massachusetts, her husband Ronald and their children Danielle and Philippe; and Michelle Phoenix of Somerville, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Warren’s name to the Center for Extended Care, 150 University Drive, Amherst, Massachusetts. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

Service details, Social networking, Memorial Guestbook and Slideshow are available here.