Double email notification help

[jumpedBBship]

Just got the Inc and I set up my email and my work email just fine. The only thing is I get 2 notifications on my personal email which is tied to the phone. It is gmail. I get the gmail notification and the default mail notification at the top of the screen. I have to open the mail icon and read the messages to get them # to go away. Thought about removing the icon from home screen and the app list but did not know if i would need it later.

Is there a way to not get the double notifications? and can i remove the mail icon with out doing any damage?