Larry D. Gerzina

Larry “Coach” Gerzina

Larry “Coach” Gerzina was born in Canton, Ohio on September 23, 1936, to the late Anthony W. and Barbara (Evanstitch) Gerzina. He passed away on September 10, 2023, after a long illness with Alzheimer’s. He was a graduate of Canton South High School 1955 and a Veteran of the United States Armed Forces, after which he worked at Timken Roller Bearing Co for 7 years while completing his Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Education at The University of Akron. He began his teaching and coaching career in Canton City Schools at Hartford Junior High, the Old McKinley High School, and Lehman Junior High School. In 1977, he began at Timken Senior High, where he taught Biology and Science and served as head basketball coach for 22 years. He was a member of the First Christian Church North Canton and North Industry Christian Church.

His passion was teaching and coaching young people the importance of ownership and respect. His motto was “To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is to be left behind.” He carried this motto both professionally and “personally” (just ask his daughters!)

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, USAF retired Col Anthony “Bud” Gerzina, and in-laws Howard and Dorothy (Barnes) Shew. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Carol (Shew) Gerzina, daughters Lee Ann (Dr. Carlos) Fabre, Dr. Holly Gerzina (Dr. Richard Symons), sister Linda Lawrence all of Canton, sister-in law LaWanda Gerzina of Piqua, OH, step grandchildren Patty(Jessy) Sielski of Lansing, MI, Diana (Beau) Case of Orlando, FL, Sandy(Chris) Heckinger of Seattle, WA, Edward Fabre of Canton, and great grandchildren, Elijah and Noah Heckinger of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by 2 nieces, Tracy (Skip) Wolford of Piqua, OH, Catherine (Tim) Kowalski of Brentwood, TN and 2 nephews, Greg Gerzina of Van Alstyne, TX, and Deron (Suzie) Millman, of Canton.

Calling hours will be at Kreighbaum Sanders Funeral Home on Cleveland Avenue from 6-8 PM on Thursday, September 14th. Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, September 15th at Kreighbaum Sanders Funeral Home on Cleveland Avenue, with calling hours beginning at 10 AM, one hour before the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bridgepoint Community Services at 210 38th St. SE, Canton, OH 44707 or North Industry Christian Church at 425 45th Street SW, Canton, Ohio 44706.

Per his request, cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will be held for family at Melcheimer’ s Cemetery at a date to be determined.