Gary P. Geis

Gary Paul Geis, 76, was united with his Lord and Savior on September 22, 2024, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s. Gary was born on July 2, 1948 to Clarence and Lucina Geis of Louisville, joining his older brother of 10 years, Clarence (Carse). He graduated from Louisville High School in 1966.

Gary was a proud graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he received a BS in Secondary Education and was a resident advisor. It was during his Senior Year at BGSU where he met his beloved wife of 54 years, Karen on a blind date! The two of them were engaged within six weeks of meeting each other and married on August 1, 1970. They settled in New Philadelphia where he began his teaching and coaching career at the High School. Later he moved on to Plain Local Schools where he was a social studies coordinator and football coach at Glenoak High School. After his coaching career, he entered into administration, with a Master’s Degree from the University of Dayton, as assistant principal at Middlebranch Middle School. 

In 1991, he was hired as an Assistant Principal at Green High School where he spent the rest of his 38-year career in education, later serving as Head Principal at GHS until his retirement in 2008. The Green Bulldogs have a long history of school pride and traditions, many of which were started by Gary. He took staff members under his wings and served as a mentor to many. He loved each and every student he encountered. “Kids don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” was his motto. He also encouraged all of his students at the beginning of every school year to “make a difference.” Gary, or Mr. Geis to most, was honored by the Ohio School Resource Officers Association in 2008 as the organization’s Administrator of the Year and also by Green Local Schools with his 2010 induction into the GHS Wall of Fame. 

Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Carse, Gary is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Karen. As Much as he loved his role as Mr. Geis, his names “Dad” and “Grandpa” were cherished most. He leaves his sons, Matthew (Malinda) and Mark (Janie), daughter, Kari (Aszad), and grandchildren Jesse and Kendall, all of whom he was so proud. He enjoyed a special bond with niece Lori (Matt), and their daughters Alyssa and Taylor. 

After his retirement, Gary volunteered at his church, St. Bernard’s Parish. He was involved in various outreach programs and a member of the Parish council. Gary will be remembered for his quiet strength, his love for kids, and his intentional acts of kindness. He leaves behind several journals of prayers, scriptures and inspirational quotes. He gave his prayer card, “Footsteps” to many people for comfort. One of his favorite quotes reads, “Each of us has, by the Grace of God, the power to change the world for the better. Every act of care and concern for others has a ripple effect, touching many lives…Lord lead me to my divine purpose.” 

The family is grateful to the staff at the Windsor Medical Center, Crossroads Hospice Care, St. Luke’s Lutheran Community and the special homecare he received. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 2nd at 10 AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 44 University Ave. Akron, OH 44308. Immediately following, friends are invited to join the family for a celebration-of-life lunch at Chenoweth Golf Course, 3087 Chenoweth Rd. Akron, OH 44312. Cremation has taken place under the guidance of Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to any of the following: Michael J. Fox Foundation (give.michaeljfox.org), Green Schools Foundation PO Box 104 Green, OH 44232 or Akron Children’s Foundation, Turner Syndrome Fund, 1 Perkins Square, Akron, OH 44308.