Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Michael A. Gelpi

About

Bishop Watterson High School Georgetown University

FUNERAL HOME

Egan-Ryan Funeral Service - Central Chapel

403 E. Broad Street

Columbus, Ohio

Michael Gelpi Obituary

GELPI Michael A. Gelpi, 70, of San Francisco, Calif. and Columbus, Ohio, passed away suddenly from Heart and Lung Disease, January 23, 2011 at his San Francisco residence. Michael's heartfelt compassion, gentle strength and joyous sense of humor will be missed by his family, friends, community and church. After graduating from Bishop Watterson High School and Georgetown University, Michael served as a Captain in the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge he joined Swan Cleaners, the family business and later owned and managed Rainbow Properties. Preceeded in death by his mother Eleanor Gelpi, with whom he shared a love for the Columbus Community, Symphony Orchestra, the Arts and the restoration of the Ohio Theater, his father Andre, and his infant brother John. Michael is survived by his loving and devoted sister, Lynn (Carolyn) Kartavich; his brothers, Andre (Lisa), Peter, Paul (Marian); and his loving nephew, Anthony (A.J.) Gelpi; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friend, Mary Maroon. He is also survived by many close friends and acquaintances, with whom he has worked, volunteered, guided, and shared his generous personality and the gift of his amazing culinary talents. He was always politically active and involved with the Human Rights Campaign in its early days. Michael was a tireless advocate for equality, fairness, justice, love and helping others. He was dedicated to his Catholic faith and taught numerous classes and seminars at Most Holy Redeemer Church in San Francisco where he mentored youth groups and the homeless. Many people are grateful and found hope from his work and guidance thru his "Hunger Program". The development and execution of his "Reconnecting Program" for Catholics who have been away from the Church was his final and most satisfactory service and contribution to a community that he loved. Friends may call Friday 4-8 p.m. at EGAN-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 403 E. BROAD ST. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday 10 a.m. at St. Mary Church, 672 S. Third St. Burial St. Joseph Cemetery. Visit www.egan-ryan.com for condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jan. 26 to Feb. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Gelpi

19 Entries

JOHN W. ROBERSON, ARCHITECT

July 27, 2021

AFTER READING COMMENTS BELOW, I AM POSITIVE THIS WAS MY NEIGHBOR. EMAIL ME AND I CAN TELL YOU A FEW MORE STORIES OF HIM! SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, AND MINE ALSO!

JOHN W. ROBERSON, ARCHITECT

July 27, 2021

I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS THE SAME MICHAEIL GELPI WHO LIVED IN GERMAN VILLAGE IN THE LATE 70'S AD EARLY 80'??

IF SO, I WAS HIS NEIGHBOR ACROSS THE STREET. PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

Jay Dascenzo

February 26, 2011

Michael was a pioneer in the gay rights movement and paved the way for so many of us who learned from him, were inspired by him and now work to create his vision of a world in which his gay brothers and sisters will be safe from violence, healthy in mind, body and spirit and equal in the same rights granted to all Americans by the U.S. Constitution.

Kathy (Kittsie) O'Dea-Savoia

February 15, 2011

My deepest sympathy to the Gelpi and Amorose families. I first met Michael when he started the 2nd grade at St. Michael's in Worthington. I was so pleased to see that he had continued so much of his Mother's philanthropy. I have wonderful memories of Michael, Pete and Paul (Chips), as well as their parents. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

Gary Franke

February 6, 2011

Thank You Michael, for all that you taught me and for the years that you cared. You will always remain an important part of my life.....may you rest in peace.

Bob Kartavich

February 4, 2011

Thanks Mike for all your philanthropist work, it will be missed by the people it never got to and appreciated by the people that it helped.

Bob & Ila Kartavich - Hilliard, Ohio

Brian Morgan

February 4, 2011

Mary, Sorry for your loss. Let your faith sustain you. Sandy and I will pray for you.

February 4, 2011

Thanks Mike for all your philanthropist work, it will be missed by the people it never got to and appreciated by the people that it helped.

Don Andrews

February 4, 2011

Sadly, I had lost track of Michael too many years ago but in those days when did see him more often he never failed to be a source of wisdom and hope. He would say thing that "hit the nail on the head" and provided me with so much clarity. He is an asset the world will miss and I am so proud to have known him.

My condolences to his family and to his many close friends.

February 3, 2011

Lynn and Pete,
You have my sincere condolences on the death of your brother.
Jeff Corbin

Doris Edwards

February 3, 2011

Our prayers for comfort and peace are with Pete and his family in the loss of such a dear brother.

The Families and Staff of Egan-Ryan Funeral Home

February 2, 2011

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Frank Wickham

January 29, 2011

We at Saint Mary's in German Village who knew Mike when he was a member of the parish will miss him. We always looked forward to his visits to Columbus and the Church. Rest in peace Michael.

tracy peeples

January 29, 2011

Rip michael,may God,bless your family.

January 29, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to the Gelpi family. He was loved by many from the Watterson alumni and thought of often. May he rest in peace.

Joan (Burgoon) Forkin

Jeff Ruff

January 28, 2011

I have only the fondest memories of Michael in Columbus and just recently reconnected with him through Facebook. He was so instrumental in establishing our chapter of the Human Rights Campaign (Fund) in Columbus. I am forever grateful to him for giving me, as a new realtor with little experience, the opportunity to sell his home here in German Village which was extraordinary.

B.J. White

January 28, 2011

My condolences to the Gelpi family. To his extended family in our community, his contributions will continue to benefit for years to come. You brought peace and happiness to our world. Thank you Michael.

January 27, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I had the pleasure and honor of working for Mike as his congressional campaign manager. He was very passionate about social justice issues and good governance. He fought for the common man. The world will miss such a humanitarian. Marcy Rood Werpy, Decatur, IL

Warren Pederson

January 26, 2011

I'm very sorry to hear of Michael's sudden passing. He was an inspiration to many with his faith and good humor.

May you find strength at this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results