R. Mark Gasser

R. Mark Gasser

R. Mark Gasser, 45, of North Canton, passed away Tuesday morning, Sept. 23, 2003, in the residence, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Canton, Ohio Sept. 26, 1957, he was a 1976 graduate of Central Catho lic High School. He re ceived a B.S. in geology at Mount Union College in 1980, graduating cum laude with a double major in geology and business administration. He received his M.A. (master of arts) in geology in 1982 from Harvard University. His concentration was in mineralogy. Mark received a full scholarship through fellowships. He was also a graduate gemologist of the Gemological Institute of America. He had been assistant curator of the Gemological Institute of America, had worked for the City of Los Angeles from 1985-86 as a management assistant in the com munity development department, and was associated with John Gasser & Son Jewelers from 1986- 1996, having served as vice presi dent from 1986-1995 and presi dent from 1995-1996. From 1997 until the time of his death, he was the president of Gasser Advisory, a small business consulting firm. Mark's past volunteer service included: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce (trustee), Canton Tomorrow board of directors, Players Guild (board vice president), Com munity Corporate Cup (major com mittee), Leadership Stark County (alumnus), Vision I (executive committee), and the Downtown Canton Association. Mark was the founding board chairman of the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, was serving on the board of Canton Tomorrow, and was a member of the Mount Union College advisory board. He had taught at Stark State College of Technology from 1987-1995, having developed, planned, and taught or co-taught the "Introduction to Gemology" course which became a popular evening course for local jewelry professionals, consumers, and hob byists. It was also a valuable public relations vehicle for John Gasser & Son Jewelers. He also taught several after school classes at kindergarten and elementary schools, all relating to earth sciences. Most recently he helped coach Northwood Elementary's chess team. His interests included motorsports, hik ing/outdoors, choral singing, and chess. He was recently with the Akron Symphony Chorus, a great joy. His greatest accomplishment: having so many great friends, who deserve gratitude beyond words. Without their acceptance and support, starting in childhood, he would not have had the confidence to pursue his goals.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Nelson Gasser; daughter, Regina C. Gasser of the home; mother, Sue Gasser Elazar of Canton; father and stepmother, Bob and Lurene Gasser of Canton; sister and brother-in- law, Gay Gasser and Paul Berg of Fairfield, Conn.; grandmother, Edith Chabot Davis of North Canton; stepbrother, Shawn K. Richardson of Los Angeles, Calif.; nephews, Alexander and Peter Berg; and niece, Elizabeth Berg, all of Fairfield, Conn. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, William Chabot and paternal grand parents, John and Regina Gasser.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 2 p.m., at St. Paul's Catholic Church in North Canton, with Rev. Msgr. James J. Clarke as celebrant. There will be no calling hours. The Lamiell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, 222 Market Ave. N., Canton, Ohio 44702, Mount Union College, 1972 Clark Ave., Alliance, Ohio 44641, or Ault man Hospice, 2741 Woodlawn Ave. N.W., Canton, Ohio 44708. (Lamiell, 330-456-7375.)

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