Robert Emmett Gersna, 76

Robert Emmett Gersna, 76, of Sherrodsville, Ohio, passed away suddenly Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in his home.

“Bob” was born Sunday, March 30, 1947 to the late Emmett and Dorothy (Karam) Gersna in Canton, Ohio.  Bob was a devoted husband to his wife Faye (Hampton) Gersna, whom he married Feb. 20, 1981. She was referred by him as “A gift from God that appeared at the exact right time.” He was a proud father of four children, grandfather of eleven, and great-grandfather to fifteen great-grandchildren who dubbed him “Grandpa Great.”
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son and three daughters, Brian Gersna and Mrs. Heather (Nick) Barthalow, both of  East Sparta,  Mrs. Rebecca (Mark) McGuire of Canton, and  Mrs. Ramona (Todd) Ladrach of Mineral City, a brother, Edward (Nancy) Gersna of Canton, and eleven grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant twin brother, Samuel Gersna.

He was a graduate of the Timken Vocational High School in 1965 and subsequently The Electronic Engineering Technology Institute of Cleveland. He retired in 2010 as a Manufacturing Engineer for Everhard Products, Inc. of Canton, and referred to the company as being “the best manufacturing company east of the Pacific.”  He was Catholic by faith and a member of the Church of the Holy Trinity of Bolivar (Zoar area), Ohio. He was nicknamed by his church family as “King Bob.”  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 13081. A United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam Era, Bob served as an Electrician’s Mate 3C aboard the aircraft carriers USS Independence CVA  62 and the USS Forrestal CVA 59. He also volunteered for submarine duty and after completing training at the US Naval Submarine School in Grotton, Connecticut and served aboard the USS Sabalo, SS 302. Bob, also known as “Captain Crappie” was an avid fisherman and appreciated the beauty of nature and loved animals, especially dogs.  Bob revered life and family, and throughout his life always maintained a sense of humor. His belief in the Blessed Trinity was a constant strength and comfort to him. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 18, 11 a.m. at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 1835 Dover-Zoar Road NE, Bolivar, OH with Fr. Tomas Carvajal y Basto as Celebrant and will be assisted by Deacon Lyn Houze. Interment will follow in the German Cemetery in Mineral City. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. in the Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville where Wake Services will be held at 5:45 p.m. At Bob’s request, contributions in his memory may be made to the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box #301, Maryknoll, New York 10545-9989. To leave an online condolence message please visit www.baxtergardner.com.