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Robert Gasser Obituary
Robert J. Gasser, 74, of Canton, Ohio (just wanted to be known as "Bob"), passed away unexpectedly Thursday afternoon, May 11, 2006.
For the past three years, Bob has been struggling with major health issues. He was born in Canton, Oh., January 6, 1932 to his parents the late Regina and John Gasser. Bob graduated in 1950 from Timken Vocational High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Kent State University in 1954. Bob served two years in the United States Navy and was active in the Navy Reserves until 1970. When he enlisted in the Navy he began his career as Seaman and retired as Lieutenant Commander. Bob completed the Master Watchmaking course and later the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) courses receiving the American Gem Society titles of Registered Jeweler and Certified Gemologist Appraiser. Bob was a very successful businessman, owner and President of the family business, John Gasser and Son Jewelers which his father established in downtown Canton in 1937.
Bob was trustee at the former United Bank of Canton, retiring in 2002 at the age of 70. He was past trustee of Canton Symphony, Canton Club, Walsh University Advisory Board, Talent Care, Canton Museum of Art, Canton Country Day School, Canton Central Catholic High School, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Canton Leadership, Corporate Community Cup and Downtown Canton Association. He was a member of Kent State University School of Business Administration, Downtown Canton Land Bank Corporation, Lifetime member of United States Navy League, Life member of Timken Vocational High School Alumni Association, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Canton Elks #68, Canton Tomorrow, Brookside Country Club, Glenmoor Country Club, life member of North American Swiss Alliance, Pegasus Club (Center for the Arts), Rotary Club of Canton, SID Canton, American Gem Society, St. Michael's Catholic Church and various trade associations. Bob volunteered his time with the Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce Pro Football Hall of Fame and assorted local charitable fund drives.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, R. Mark Gasser, September 23, 2003, and his brother-in-law, Tony Van Stralen.
He is survived by his wife, Lurene Reed-Gasser of the home, his daughter and son-in-law, Gay Gasser and Paul Berg of Fairfield, CT, his stepson, Shawn K. Richardson of Los Angeles, CA., his sister, Eve Van Stralen of North Hollywood, CA., daughter-in-law, Susan Nelson Gasser of Granville, Oh, four grandchildren, Alexander Berg, Elizabeth Berg, Peter Berg and Regina Gasser, two nephews, John Van Stralen and Erich Van Stralen.
Bob is also survived by his loyal staff that he treated like family, Rebekah Berrick, Lacy Fay, David Firth, Abby Fowler, Paul Fredey, Brandon Haag, Les Hamilton, George Jepsen, Ken Lesniak, Saundra Lewis, Pat Marsh, Mary Jo Purney, Sharon Riley, Darlene Schuring, Karen Shaffer, Lin Spitale, Linda Sullivan, Patrick Wyatt, Brian and Wayne Kaschak.
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 5:30 P.M. in St. John's Catholic Church, 627 McKinley Avenue N.W., Canton with Fr. Ronald Klingler, Pastor, and Fr. Robert Kaylor, Principal of Central Catholic High School as Celebrants. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in his name to the Sisters of Charity Foundation for the Stark County Inter Agency Council for the Homeless, 220 Market Avenue S., Canton, Ohio 44702 or The Salvation Army, 420 Market Avenue S., Canton, Ohio 44702. The Lamiell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (Lamiell 330-456-7375)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gasser
Jacqueline Gill
May 7, 2022
Remembering Bob as our friend and trusted jeweler. The times we spent together traveling to Paris to celebrate the Millenium New year at Versaille and later to Scotland and England. Wonderful memories!
Jean Young
May 7, 2019
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Miss you,
Jean Young
Robert/Nancy Wilson
May 25, 2006
There will always be thoughts of Bob everytime that we remember the day in the store 37 years ago
when Bob helped us choose a beautiful symbol of our love. We
are sorry to learn of his passing.
Hursh & Toni Smith
May 22, 2006
Bob, you will truly be missed by all of us. But, you will continue to be with us every day. Thank you for your kindness, loving smile, and wittyness.
Our deepest sympathy to Lurene and the extended family. God Be With You.
May 21, 2006
lurene,bob's family,and all the employees at the store,
i feel sad that i shall not see bob again.funny though,i can see all the females "in the great beyond,"(as my mom call it)wearing
diamond post earrings(lazare!)that
sparkle like the stars!i'll leave the male population to bob. i'm not so good at that! thanks for everythin,bob. my experinces with buying jewelry over the years have been great thanks to you and your
employees(sharon,especially).
hi,lurene. hope to see you sometime.
alex,your talk at the mass was so enjoyable. i could have listened to more!
love and peace,
rita klever
Cathy Grady
May 21, 2006
My family and I will always cherish the memories of all the fun and laughter we shared with Bob down at the lake.
Sincerely,
Mike, Cathy, Mike
and Ryan Grady
Janet and Philip Peckinpaugh
May 19, 2006
Lurene and family,
Philip and I send you our deepest sympathy. Bob has been an important part of our lives; Philp carefully picked out my engagement ring with the expert help and attention provided by Bob and has consulted with him with all our important jewelry purchases over the years. Philip also enjoyed working with him on Rotary functions and in other business endeavors. We will miss his smiling face and sense of humor. He was always very kind to us. We were always glad to see one another. You have been in our thoughts as we think about the difficulties you have experienced lately with his health problems. We are not able to attend the memorial service but please now that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Janet and Philip Peckinpaugh
Gary and Wendy Bush
May 19, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Maureen Ott
May 19, 2006
My family and I will always treasure our lifetime of fond memories of our champion, Mr. Gasser. He was like a wedding band,a never ending circle of family, friends and aquaintances. We all felt like part of his extensive family. We will never forget him. Words cannot express the sympathy we have for his family.
Doug and Jean Young
May 19, 2006
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
marialice cordner
May 19, 2006
With deepest sympathy Lurene. I have not been in Canton for over 20 years, and I just heard the sad news. God Bless.
John & Julie Wright-Costa
May 19, 2006
Mr. Gasser was a dear family friend, attending Timken Highschool with my father Thomas Wright. I remember my parents talking about Bob, describing his friendship, kindness and generosity. Losing my father two years ago, these recollections are all the more special. My husband John and I chose our wedding rings under Bob's special care (we have been married for 16 years)...Bob even offered his upstairs area to John and I to share our special moment in privacy. The last time our family visited his store, Mr. Gasser helped my dear father pick out a ring for my mother; it wasn't the gift I recall but rather the light in his eyes in helping them choose something special. I will remember him as a truly kind man that made everyone feel special, the minute they walked in his store; a one of a kind gentleman. Our sympathy and loving prayers go out to his family, friends and colleagues.
Ruth and Ivan Parker
May 18, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to Bob Gasser's family. Bob was a very caring and generous gentlemen. After purchasing my engagement ring, my husband got down on his knee in the store and officially proposed to me. It always was so enjoyable working with Bob. He will be missed. May God comfort all of you as He welcomed Bob home.
Alex Berg
May 18, 2006
Hey Grandpa-
I know how fond you are of scaring people... so this is either the most elaborate ruse you've managed to pull off, or one of the saddest things to happen in some time. Either way, I hope that everyone will remember you as I do: that guy throwing food at me from the other end of the table.
Love,
Alex
John, Juli, Bob, Debbie, and Lilia Boron
May 17, 2006
Dear Gasser Family and Staff,
My family and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Bob was a great man who will be truly missed.
Chris Gumpp
May 17, 2006
To everyone that knew Bob you would agree that he was just like a fine diamond, one of the rarest most beatiful gemstones of all. Bob was colorful, bright, durable, and internally flawless. Like a diamond, an expression of love, he brought such love to everyone who knew him. He was so honored by the many customers that sought him out for the special gifts they selected for their loved ones. We will all miss him, however, find comfort in the fact that he is walking the streets of gold,wearing the crown of precious gems that he earned during his time here with us. As you read the expressions in this quest book you realize how many peoples lives he touched. We will all miss him and when you think of him you will smile because when you think of Bob you can't help but smile! As they say, a diamond is forever, so is Bob, forever in each of our hearts!
Eve Brown
May 17, 2006
Lurene, I am truly sorry I will be unable to attend the services for Bob. Although I have a committment to be out of town, please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Elsie( Anderson) Grebe
May 17, 2006
Lurene, family & friends,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. He certainly seemed to be a wonderful man from all I've read.
Diana Boyd
May 17, 2006
Dear Lurene, family and employees. I am so sorry to hear of your loss and am heart sick to know we will never see Bob again. He and the store have been a part of my life for the last thirty years and he will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace and look down upon all that loved him.
John & Jo Ellen Fette
May 17, 2006
We are so saddened by the sudden passing of Bob. He has been a huge part of our lives for so many years, from our engagement and wedding to the birth of our children. Bob always made time for Olivia and Sophia when they would visit their grandma, Sharon Riley, at the store. He loved to show them the Vault! We extend our deepest sympathy to Lurene and the family and will treasure our memories of Bob always.
Kristine Zeller McFadden
May 17, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Bob's family and to the entire staff at the store. I so enjoyed working with Bob back in '86. My father thought the world of Bob. I wish I could have seen him last year when I was visiting.
Heather Riley
May 16, 2006
My prayers are with the immediate and extended Gasser family. Mr. Gasser was a loyal and generous man. I'm thankful for all he did for my mother and our family. May he rest in peace.
Milton Jacoby
May 16, 2006
Dear Gay and Family,
So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Natalie Rudd
May 16, 2006
Lurene and family please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. Bob was always so patient and pleasant. It was always a highlight of our day when we saw you both. Embrace the wonderful memories you shared together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today and in the days to come. Sincerely, Natalie Rudd, RN and Cathy Sila, MD
Karen Shaffer
May 16, 2006
I am grateful to have known a truly kind and generous man such as Mr. Gasser. I will always appreciate the opportunity I've had to work for him at Gasser Jewelers. With fondest memories,
Ms. Zulema "Zulie" Dewitz
May 16, 2006
Dear Gasser family and staff,
I met Mr. Gasser while working here at Palmer Travel. He will be greatly missed and you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
joseph ostrowske
May 16, 2006
I am very sad.Bob was such a wonderful person.I will miss him very much.
Tom & Nancy Rice
May 16, 2006
We extend our deepest sympathy to Lurene and family. Bob truly was a special individual and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Don and Rhoda Hart
May 16, 2006
We extend our most sincere sympathy to Lurene and the entire Gasser family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob will be truly missed, but his committment to Stark County and Downtown Canton will forever reside in the memories of us all.
Melissa Gliebe
May 15, 2006
Our deepest sympathy to the Gasser Family. My mother Sharon Riley has been apart of the Gasser store for many years. Our family would come by the store to see Mom and he'd always come out to say hi and talk. My sisters and I have pieces of Gasser jewelry that we will cherish forever. Mr. Gasser was such a wonderful friend to our family, and especially to my mother. We are all deeply saddened by his passing. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Liz Racic - Weilacher
May 15, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lillian and Jerry Maggiore
May 15, 2006
Our prayers are with the family at this time.
Bob will long be remembered in the Canton community for his generosity.
We will cherish the memories that we shared.
Lillian and Jerry Maggiore
Jackie Gill
May 15, 2006
Bob will be sadly missed by all who knew him. His wits, good humor,engaging smile, always willing to help the less fortunate,a true renaissance man.
May God bless you Bob and give you eternal peace.
Our thoughts and prayers to Lurene and family.
Bob & Jackie Gill
Dan & Anne Dowling
May 15, 2006
Lurene,Gay and family, We extend our
deepest sympathy and know he will be
greatly missed. He was always helpful
and especially when Anne selected her
50th anniversary ring. He had amazing
talent,memory and sense of humor.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you
Carole Chabot
May 15, 2006
Bob will be remembered by many in our family. Our sympathy to the remaining family members.
Janet Shaheen
May 15, 2006
Going into the jewelry store will never be the same without Bob there. He will be missed by many. What an asset he was to downtown Canton. May his soul rest in peace.
MEMORY ETERNAL.
Sam & Brigitte Oliver
May 15, 2006
Our deepest Sympathy for the Gasser Family.We have known Bob for many years (as customers).He always made special time for us ,no matter how busy he was.He loved to talk about Europe and always spoke in "German" with us .His smile is gone forever,but we will keep him in our memories.
John Rasnick
May 15, 2006
Gay:
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the death of your father. It was only one month ago that my mother and father shared a pleasant lunch with him after a visit to the store. I will always remember your father a both a kind and generous man. The wedding gift that he gave to us those many years ago still sits in the center of the mantel above our fireplace as a fond reminder of the Gasser’s. He was someone who impacted his entire community in many positive ways, but more significantly poured his loving spirit into all of the individuals he encountered. I was one of those blessed by knowing him. If I were not going to be out of town on Saturday I would personally offer my condolences to both you and Bob’s wife. Please trust in my prayers for you and your family at this most difficult time. On behalf of the entire Rasnick family.
Rebekah Berrick
May 15, 2006
I've been proud to be a part of the Gasser family for the past thirteen years as an employee at John Gasser & Son Jewelers. Mr. Gasser always greeted me with open arms and a warm smile. He even teased that he wanted to adopt me. With love and fond memories, Rebekah
Kim Firth
May 15, 2006
Words cannot describe this wonderful man. Few people have left such a positive impact on so many.
Kathy Babik
May 15, 2006
My heart is breaking for the family and for all who knew this most thoughtful, wonderful and generous man. I feel fortunate to have been a former employee, and saw first hand Bob's generosity to all his employees,customers, and the especially how he helped the homeless in Canton.
May God Bless you, and give you peace.
Beth Sacco
May 14, 2006
My memories of Mr. Gasser are that of a strong, proud, remarkable man. His generocity went beyond necessity and his kindness was unmatchable. He was not only an employer, but a teacher, a mentor, an icon in the jewelry industry. His lessons on the treatment of people, both professionally and personally have stayed me throughout the years. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Robin & Gordon Gonzalez
May 14, 2006
Dearest Bob,
We shall always remember your smile.
Heartbroken in Canton,
Mary Jo Kessler
May 14, 2006
Bob will be missed by those many people whose lives he touched. I knew him for 25+ years. He was a dear friend and father figure to my sister Chris who worked with Bob for 28 years. He has left many wonderful memories for all that were blessed to have known him. May God's precious love comfort his family & those who are left behind. We will meet again my friend! Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Deloris Bagent
May 14, 2006
Sympathy to the family of Bob Gasser.We have known Bob for many years. We knew his Mother & father. We purchased our wedding bands from his father , will be 63 years this Nov. I have lots of jewerly purched from Bob..A fine family. Bill & Deloris Bagent
Bob & Colleen Burleson
May 14, 2006
Please accept our deepest sympathy, and know that our prayers are with you, Lurene, and your family at this time. May God bring peace and comfort to you.
In deepest sympathy,
John Ruhlin
May 14, 2006
Bob was like more than a friend, he was a mentor. He believed in me and my potential and was willing to give guidance from the first time I met him. There will always be a special place in my heart for Bob, what he stood for and what he did for this community. My prayers and sympathies are with you and your family.I love you Bob.
John & Nancy Baker
May 14, 2006
Our whole family grieves at this loss of a generous and considerate friend. Bob will be long remembered for all his good deeds. Our deepest sympathy to all of his survivors.
BILL @ MARGE SHOUP
May 14, 2006
LURENE : So sorry to hear of your loss . Thinking of you .
Minnie Jones
May 14, 2006
My sympathy to the family.
May God Bless you all.
MJ
Linda Moore
May 14, 2006
Lurene, I send my condolences to you, your family and your staff. I was very saddened to hear about Bob's passing. Fondly, Linda Moore
Dan and Betsy Phillips
May 14, 2006
As my friend since grade school, coupled with our occasional visits with Bob in Canton, it is hard to believe that such a vibrant, generous individual has left us.
We extend our deepest sympathy.
BOB RANALLI
May 14, 2006
OUR SINCERE
CONDOLENCES FOR A DEAR
FRIEND.SUE AND BOB RANALLI
JOHN BUKOSKI
May 14, 2006
REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND AND
WE SHALL MEET AGAIN.
Jack Meadows
May 14, 2006
May the tender embrace of God's mercy touch your life during this most sorrowful time and may God's promise of eternity bring you peace. With our deepest sympathy,
Jack and Marilyn Meadows
Connie & Gary Guist
May 14, 2006
We Miss you, already. My Father Bill, and Bob's father John, were good friends, as Bob and I were also. Our hearts go out to the families.
Joan Shearer
May 14, 2006
Bob,like his father before him, took special interest in all of his friends and customers. We will all miss him. Our thoughts are with you.
Linda and The Brat J.B. Bonk
May 14, 2006
We will always cherish our memories. We love you.
Marcia Leeman
May 14, 2006
Will remember Bob and how many wonderful things he contributed to this earth. Love, Marcia Leeman
Debbie Minger
May 14, 2006
Mr. Gasser was a friend of our family since I was a little girl. A trip to Canton was not complete without stopping by the store and having a friendly, uplifting conversation. He would always take the time to talk with us. He is a remarkable man and always willing to share his vast knowledge with my husband and me. A trip to Canton will not be the same without Mr. Gasser. May his memory be eternal…
Wendell and Jill Horn
May 14, 2006
Our community will greatly miss Bob...a warm, generous and caring
man. I knew him since grade school
and we always enjoyed talking about old school days. Sincere and
heartfelt sympathies to Bob's family.
Sandy & Larry Staudt
May 13, 2006
Bob was such a kind and thoughtful person and full of personal interest in others. We thought so highly of him and appreciated the special treatment he gave us in selecting our wedding ring.
Peace, Bob. We love your spirit.
Myndilee Wong
May 13, 2006
I will remember Bob for his kindness and generosity.
Bill Sitler
May 13, 2006
Bob, I wish I had been there for you! May you find peace!
Shirley Schoeppner
May 13, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Trina Phillippi-Genco
May 13, 2006
My deepest sympathies
Bob Horner
May 13, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Bob and I were friends in High School but have been out of touch for many years.
rita klever
May 13, 2006
words can't express how i feel.
i shall miss you,bob.
mrs.gasser,i am thinking of you.
peace,
rita klever
Betty (Elizabeth) Slattery-Betzler
May 13, 2006
I have many fond memories of my good friend Bob and am deeply saddened that I will no longer be able to see him here on earth. He will certainly be remembered for all the wonderful things he has done during his lifetime. My husband and I will always remember him and keep him in our prayers... we wish to express our deepest sympathy.
Kathy & Dick Caster
May 13, 2006
Rest in peace, Bob. With all our sympathy to his family.
ANN COONEY
May 13, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Gwen Minger Horne
May 13, 2006
Wonderful memories of a delightful,generous, and wonderful man who has touched so many lives. Bob was a treasured friend and will be sorely missed by our family. Sincere sympathy.
David Ash
May 13, 2006
Bob was one of the most kind and generous people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will miss him and I know the community and all of those he touched will also.
Tammy (Muster) Kissenberger
May 13, 2006
My family will always remember Bob-my grandparents,our parents,my husband and me will always remember Bob for everything he has done for us-like when my father was killed he help us get make is easier. Bob you will be missed.
Love,
Tammy
Peggie Donohue
May 13, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Nick & Joanne Sabin
May 13, 2006
We are deeply saddened by the passing of a very special man, Bob Gasser. For 40 years, we have known him to be a kind gentleman with a smile and heart for giving. May he rest in peace and know that we miss him.
Keith Moser
May 13, 2006
I will miss seeing Bob's friendly smile and hearing his warm laughter. He and his family will alaways be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary & Chuck Miller
May 13, 2006
Our prayers and sympathy is with you at this time.
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