Prescott Gittings Coale

Prescott Gittings Coale, of Bel Air, MD passed away peacefully on March 26, at home with his family by his side. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Bertram Brand Coale and Charlotte Gittings Coale, also of Bel Air. A lifelong resident of Harford County, he was the proprietor of the Bel Air Bowl (Bob Turley’s Bowl) which operated from 1960 until its closing in 1997. In addition to the bowling center, he was employed as a salesman at Plaza Ford, and drove a school bus for Harford County Public Schools.

Pres was a 1946 graduate of Bel Air High School (Best Dancer) where he met his beloved wife Mary Poole Coale (Most Athletic), a 1948 graduate of the school. In 1958, he formulated the idea of a bowling center in Bel Air, and a corporation was formed, originally joining forces with Yankee pitcher Bob Turley. The original 24 lane establishment opened in the summer of 1960, later adding 16 more lanes in 1962. The Bel Air Bowl Restaurant and the Eleventh Frame Lounge were popular eateries for locals and known for quality food and friendly service.

In the 1970’s he introduced the sport of bowling into the Harford County Public School physical education curriculum, donating his time and equipment. A school bus also transported the youth from their schools to the lanes for a Friday afternoon bowling league. The weekend youth program at the center was a passion of his and a staple in Harford County. He often stated that “No one ever sits the bench in bowling.”

Dedicated to his family and friends, his genuine kindness and compassion for others were reflected in his every day actions. Whether it was providing and serving meals to the underserved at Thanksgiving, hosting the ARC Center every Friday for outings or honoring local law enforcement with free fare. He also mentored and provided job opportunities for many Harford County youth over the years.

A faithful parishioner of St. Margaret Catholic Church in Bel Air, and past member of St. Francis de Sales Church in Abingdon, he was a member of the Maurice J. Wolfe Knights of Columbus Council.

Prescott was a beloved husband to his wife, Mary. They were married on May 6, 1951 at St. Ignatius Church in Hickory. He was a loving father to his three children; Joyce Westervelt (David) of Bel Air, Jimmy Coale (Kathy) of Lexington, Virginia, and Jeannie Burnham (Billy) of Havre de Grace. His greatest joy was his 10 grandchildren; David, Jennifer, Drew, Laura, Kevin, Danny, Ryan, Stephanie, Michael and Bradlee, and 11 great grandchildren. He was blessed to have many friends whom he called family, including Robert Pickard, his dear friend and lunch companion, and Lisa Silhan, his friend and dedicated caregiver. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Lee Coale.

Contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice Foundation, 8537 Solution Center, Chicago, Illinois 60677 or St. Margaret Catholic Church, 141 Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014 or St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 1450 Abingdon Road, Abingdon, MD 21009.