Gerhard S. Plessinger Obituary (1941 - 2015)

Gerhard Samuel Plessinger 1941 - 2015 passed away at the House of Loreto on Oct. 2, 2015, in Canton, Ohio, from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Clearfield, Pa. on July 12, 1941 to the late Doris and Clyde Plessinger. He resided in Canton, Ohio and Bellasylva, Pa. The family moved to Lindale, Texas in 1953. He was active in scouting and was an Eagle Scout, attended Jamborees and worked at Philmont Scout Ranch for three summers. He was a violinist in the East Texas Symphony Orchestra. After graduating from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas in 1965, he moved to Ohio. He was a math teacher in Akron, Ohio for thirty years, teaching at Goodyear Junior High and East High Schools. He devoted his life to his students, not only in the classroom, but also as a gifted cross-country coach. It was a familiar sight to see him running, with the teams, through the streets and parks of east Akron. He ran in marathons during the 1960's and 70's. Always on the move, he went to Switzerland many summers to enjoy Alpine hiking. He was an amateur radio operator since 1956. Known as “Sam” on the air, his call letters were W8GRP. As a life-long learner, he was a member of the 2002 class of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. Gerhard's first concern was always serving others. He was an eager worker at Habitat for Humanity work sites in Canton, always willing to dig the ditches, “Because it had to be done." When the ReStore opened, he loved helping customers find something “they just might need." He attended Trinity United Church of Christ in Canton and was able to go on several meaningful mission trips. During the summer he attended St. Paul's Methodist Church in Dushore, Pa. Over the years, he was a faithful volunteer at the Sullivan County Food Pantry and with Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Hildegard (Hildy) and Bob Greenlee (Canton, Ohio), his beloved niece Margot Greenlee and husband Todd Harvey (Washington, D.C) and their children Olivia and Nate, who were his joy! As per his wishes, he was cremated and will be buried at Bellasylva Cemetery in Sullivan County, Pa, at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to the Sullivan County Food Pantry, P.O. Box 55, Dushore, PA 18614.