Gary M. Keisling

Gary M. Keisling, 61, died at home of pancreatic cancer on February 20, 2012. His wife, best friend and caregiver is Alicemarie (Rhee) Stevens of North Scranton.

Gary was born to Lois Wolfram Keisling and the late Rollin Keisling. Surviving are his daughter, Shannon Keisling of Boston, Massachusetts; and two sons, Ryan and Garrett, California. Gary was always very proud of his children's accomplishments and creativity. Ryan, a chef/organic farmer; Garrett, a successful glass blower recognized in his field; and Shannon's clinical work at Children's Hospital of Boston, were frequent topics of their father's praise. Shortly before his death, he was proud to learn that Shannon was accepted to Drexel Medical School.

Gary served in an executive capacity for more than 25 years, having successfully led two distinguished distance education institutions, and is highly regarded as a visionary and influential advocate for the benefits of distance education. In his most recent capacity, Gary served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of KF Capital and Ashworth College. He previously served on the Distance Education and Training Council's (DETC) Board of Trustees from 1989 until 1998 and held the positions of First Vice President, President and Vice Chairman. He was presented with DETC's Distinguished Service and Distinguished Recognition Award for his dedication to distance education. Gary was most recently honored by Ashworth College by the introduction of the Gary, Keisling ACCESS Scholarship program in recognition of his dedication and contributions to both Ashworth College and the field of distance education. Ashworth plans to annually award up to $25,000 in tuition scholarships in his name beginning in 2012. ACCESS is an acronym for Ashworth College Continuing Education for Student Success which reflects Gary's personal and professional mission to offer underserved populations having limited access to educational opportunities that are both affordable and accessible. Previously, Gary was President and CEO of ICS/National Education Corporation, and he was graduate of Temple University.

Gary was lured back from retirement or the thought of retirement over the years by his drive, determination and eagerness to work with his partners at Sterling Capital, Rick Elfman and Jason Rosenberg. His real joy came from working with his "Dream Team" members: Bob Smith, Melissa Maddox, Joe Piazza, Milt Miller, Mike Rutsky and Ron Gregory.

Gary was a kind and generous person, with community being of great importance in his life. He chaired and served on numerous boards, including the United Way and Family Services of Lackawanna County, the Red Cross, the Board of Community Medical Center, and the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce.

Also surviving are two brothers, Rolly and wife, Lynda, Mout Cobb; Paul and wife Dorothy, Chalfont, PA; two sisters, Sharon Hoffman and her partner, Stephen Brancati, Mt. Cobb; and Lois Hughes and husband, Joe, Jessup; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gary enjoyed the Sunday routine, where he and Rhee hosted dinner each week for the Stevens' family. He opened his home and his heart and looked forward to a day of family, friendships and spending time with the kids. He respectfully took the seat of second chef to his cooking wife, Carol. He shared these Sundays with Maryann, Billy, Janie, Bo, Jackie, Alison, Victoria, Will, Casey, Kelly, John, Maggie, Jack, Joan, June, Bub, Jerry, Kerri, Madison, Liam, Carol, Joe, Jenn, Joey, Jon, Johnny, Karen, Lindsey, Myla, Molly, Linda, Ron, Ronnie, Katie, Jamie, Frank, Dorian, Meggie, Danny, Paul, Jake, Wen- dy, Shamus, Chari, James, Liz, Mercedes, and Lola. We will be forever grateful to have known him and he touched us in ways that words cannot express. We will miss his energy and his passion for life that drove him to live each day to the fullest.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law, Alice and William Stevens, his loyal and constant companion, Barley Stevens Keisling; and his nephew, David Hoffman, Jr.

The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care given by Dr. Michael Kondash and staff of PrimeMed; Dr. Jay Vanston, Mary Triano and staff, Dr. Carl Barsigian and his entire staff at Hematology-Oncology and Associates, Dunmore especially Sue and Renee, and Dr. Oliver Morgan.

Alice could have never cared for Gary at home without the enormous support and expertise provided by the nurses of Hospice of the Sacred Heart. Among the angels were Jeanne, Rebecca, Theresa, Diane, Shelly, Ann, Cindy, Lois, Carm, Lori and the entire staff. From the time Gary was diagnosed, the entire pharmacy staff at CVS in Clarks Summit were incredibly accommodating and supportive. A special thank you to Ryan, Mary and Diane.

Friends may call Thursday, from 5 to 9 p.m., at Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave, Scranton, PA. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. in St Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Avenue, Scranton. Everyone, including family and close friends, must go directly to the church on Friday morning. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 340 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, PA 18507; Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, South Abington Township, PA 18411; the United Way of Lackawanna County, 615 Jefferson Avenue #304, Scranton, PA 18510; or a charity of choice.