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Robert Gentis Obituary


News Death Notice

GENTIS, Robert P. 64, of Springfield died at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2009 in Heartland of Springfield. He was born October 14, 1945 in Springfield the son of Clyde and Emma (Mackert) Gentis. Bob has been an educator for forty-two years which includes eleven years in the Springfield Parochial School System and thirty-one years at Northmont City Schools in Englewood, Ohio as a principal and Director of Student Services. He also worked as an adjunct instructor for Clark State Community College for many years. He was a member of St. Teresa Church, 1963 graduate of CCHS. He received his BS degree in education in 1972 from The Ohio State University and his Masters in school administration 1977 from Wright State University. Bob was an avid reader and a tremendous Ohio State fan and attended all home games. Survivors include his wife of thirty-nine years Patricia L. Gentis: two sons, Scott Gentis, Matthew R. Gentis and girlfriend Melissa Carter all of Columbus: two sisters-in-law, Debi Gentis, Norman, OK and Linda McWilliams, Covington, KY: nieces Amber and husband Tommy Bui, nephew Adam Gentis and girlfriend Julie Hudson and niece Andrea Gentis, great nephews Noah and Hudson Bui all of Norman, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Thomas Edward Gentis. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday in the Conroy Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in St. Teresa Church. Burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Northmont Educational Foundation at 4001 Old Salem Rd. Englewood, Ohio 45322.

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Published by Springfield News-Sun from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gentis

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Derri Smith

August 18, 2024

I was a teacher at Northwood Elementary working under Bob Gentis and every memory of him is a warm one. He was gentle and kind and showed that he cared about me as a person and prioritized my health and well being. He left a lovely legacy.

David Corcoran

November 7, 2009

I had Mr. Gentis as an instructor and football coach when I attend CCHS back in the 70's. He was a man that commanded all of your respect, and earned it...

Melissa Byrd (Paaske)

November 6, 2009

I have literally known Bob since the day I was born. My parents and Pat and Bob have been friends for 45 years. I have so many fond memories of growing up with Matt and spending holidays and weekends at the Gentis's. My most heartfelt sympathy to Pat, Matt and Scott. My prayers are with you always.

Caryn Hill McGraw

November 6, 2009

I just wanted to extend my condolences. I was once a student at Northwood Elementary when Mr. Gentis was there. He was such a nice man. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort in the memories you have of him.

November 4, 2009

I am sorry for your lose. He was my principle at Northmont and was a very nice person.

Sara Lingmann

November 4, 2009

Mr. Gentis- You will be missed greatly by all the lives in which you have touched personally. I remember having you as my principal at Northwood Elementary as do all of my sisters. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, may you always live in their hearts forever.
Love always,
The Lingmann Girls

theBRDHouseMusic & Arts Co.

November 4, 2009

To the Gentis Family,
We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Bob Gentis.
What a wonderful man Bob Gentis was!
Mr. Gentis was the principal at Northwood Elem through all 4 of my children. He was especially helpful with our youngest, Brandon, who had heart disease. Without the guidance and interaction with Mr. Gentis and the whole Northmont Education system, Brandon could not have had the opportunity of education. Mr. Gentis was a very kind person. He will be missed.
Bob and Sheila Daugherty

April Bell (Darnes)

November 4, 2009

Mr. Gentis was my first principal, my first teaching position at Northwood Elementary as a special educator. He was an amazing advocate for children and for his staff. I am very saddened to hear of his passing- he was a wonderful person and great mentor and friend. He will be truly missed by all.

Brittany Wagner

November 3, 2009

Mr. Gentis-
You will be greatly missed. You were an amazing man and did so much for your students! I still remember being principal for a day with you back in elementary school.

To The Family-
My condolences to you all. I as well as the rest of the students that he touched will greatly miss him. I am so shocked to hear the news. I wish you all well through this time of mourning.

Brittany Wagner

Eve Cusac

November 3, 2009

Attending the visitation for Bob last night was both sad and uplifting. The reality that this wonderful man had now passed was sad in that other people will not have the honor of knowing him. Speaking with Pat, Matt and Scott, however, was uplifting in that they have heard the many testimonies of people whose lives were touched by this man. I remember whenever Bob came to my art room to observe me teaching, he would ask for his own art supplies so that he could also do the lesson with the students. Later when I would go to his office for the post-observation, he would give such constructive observations even without taking a note. I so admired his professionalism and how he remained down-to-earth in relating with staff, students, parents, whoever. His ready smile and that genuine laugh will fondly be a memory I keep. So many were touched by a great man who was ever so humble about his abilities. I feel so fortunate to have been one of those people.

Marian Wilt

November 3, 2009

I am yet another former and very grateful student of Mr. Gentis from St. Teresa's and Catholic Central. He truly was a wonderful person and an exceptional teacher. If we can still remember his lessons from the 1970's then you know that he really helped us connect with social studies. I remember one 8th grade assignment when we were required to plan our own city down to the most minute details. I dreaded the assignment at the time, but realized later that he was challenging us to stretch and grow. He also had a great sense of humor. As young people will do, we teased him a lot and he just took it all in stride. Earth has lost, but heaven has gained. My sincere sympathy to all of the family. Marian (Horstman) Wilt

Kelly Hilbert Flynn

November 2, 2009

As I start my 30th year of teaching, I am grateful that I had Mr. Gentis. He made history come alive and to this day I remember being so excited about the connections he helped us to appreciate about our history. He was a teacher "before his time" with creative activities and lectures that engaged all of us. When I think of the people that inspired me to my career of teaching, Mr. Gentis is high on my list. He cared about his students. My deepest sympathy to his family but know that he touched so many lives.

Mary Rita (Copeland) Shank

November 2, 2009

Mr. Gentis was my teacher at St. Teresa's and later at CCHS. I have such fond memories of him, especially his ability to bring out the best in you as a student & inspire you to want to learn more. History was just more interesting when taught by Mr. Gentis! So sorry to have him pass at such a young age. My condolences to the Gentis family...may God guide you through this most difficult time.

Dennis Fogarty

November 2, 2009

I had the privilege of having Mr. Gentis as my Senior Social Studies teacher at Catholic Central High School in 1974. He fueled an interest in government and politics that has continued to this day. For that I am most grateful. He was a great teacher. To his family, I extend my deepest sympathies for your loss.

Sheila Smith (Hunter)

November 2, 2009

Although I haven't seen Bobbie since childhood I have fond memories of he and my brother,Dale, pestering me,Carol & Tom.
My deepest sympathy. My prayers go out for the Gentis family.

Dennis Fogarty

November 2, 2009

Mr. Gentis was my Senior Social Studies teacher at Catholic Central High School in 1974. He was a great teacher, and fueled a passion for government and politics that I still have, 35 years later. To his family, I offer my deepest sympathies for your loss. God bless you.

Dennis Fogarty

November 2, 2009

Mr. Gentis was my Senior Social Studies teacher at Catholic Central High School in 1974. He was a great teacher, and fueled a passion for government and politics that I still have, 35 years later. To his family, I offer my deepest sympathies for your loss. God bless you.

Roger and Trish Hoar

November 2, 2009

Our sincere condolences to Pat , Scott and Matt.Bob was always a class guy.

Mary Ann Ferryman Mitch

November 2, 2009

Thirty some years ago, Mr. Gentis absolutely brought history alive for me, and I have since been very grateful for such an inspired and wonderful educator. May God Bless your family.

Tina Klingle

November 2, 2009

My deepest sympathies to the Gentis family. Mr. Gentis was my teacher at Catholic Central and then my children's principal at Northwood. Mr. Gentis was responsible for my girls staying at Northwood after my divorce forced us to move. That stability was so crucial at that point in their lives and I know his kind heart knew that. I will always be grateful to him. What a wonderful man!

Steve Gordin

November 2, 2009

My prayers go out to the Gentis family. We moved to Trails End in 1961 next to Bob and his family. He and I played many a basketball game in their driveway. He was blessed with having been raised Catholic. Death is something we prepare for all of our lives. God Bless all of you.

Mike Boyd

November 1, 2009

My heart felt prayers and thoughts go to the family of Mr.Gentis. Mr.Gentis was my principle at Northwood Elem 1992-1993. Mr.Gentis also assisted me very much through some tough times in middle school/high school. My family and I will never forget him and he will be in our thoughts and prayers always!

Ronni Loundy

November 1, 2009

My condolences to the Gentis family. As a Northwood parent and a Northmont Board of Education member I worked with Bob quite often. He was such a gentle and kind man who really cared about the students. He will be sorely missed.
Ronni Loundy

Gwen Pahl

November 1, 2009

Dear Matt and family,
We want to send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Take comfort in the many wonderful memories you have of your father. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Ron and Gwen Pahl

November 1, 2009

I have been praying for you, Pat. May the Lord give you the strength you need for each new day. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Nancy Decker (Bellefontaine)

Lexy Pridemore

October 31, 2009

I am a former student at Northwood Elementary class of 1999. Mr. Gentis was a great principal!! I'm so sorry for your loss.

Angela Stout

October 31, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Mr. Gentis, was such a great man and a great principal. I was a student of his from 1985 to 1987.

October 31, 2009

Dear Pat, Scott & Matt,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I have such fond memories of working with Bob at Northwood Elementary. Always a professional, he treated his staff with great respect and made it a point to know the entire student body. I remember how he would constantly amaze former students who returned to visit Northwood by remembering them AND their names. Always a good sport, I remember how he went along with the staff's birthday breakfast celebration at Friendship Village. He was truly a one-of-a-kind person and educator and will be missed.

Eve Cusac

Steve Malone

October 31, 2009

My condolences to the Gentis Family. I was saddened to hear that Bob was in the hospital and had hoped for the best. You are in my prayers and may God bless you.

Carole Belcher

October 31, 2009

Dear Pat and family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Bob was such a gentle person and may your wonderful memories sustain you as you grieve.
Carole & George Belcher

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