Together Again

Thomas Ray Gindlesberger, 81 of Canal Fulton, passed away Friday, June 21, 2024. Tom was born on September 29, 1942, to Elmer and Anne Gindlesberger at Massillon City Hospital. He attended Canal Fulton grade school and graduated from Northwest High School in 1960.

Starting at an early age, Tom spent many summers working for his uncle Harold (Red) Byers who established Byers Handmade Candies. There, he learned many candy making skills that he recently passed on to his extended family.

Tom started his career in engineering, then devoted the next 35 years teaching in Akron Public Schools.

Tom and his wife Pat invested their lives into breeding, training, and showing horses, with many awards along the way.

After Pat's passing, Tom spent the last 2 ½ years writing memoires of his life to share with family and friends. One of the most beautiful was his writing "Back to the Son," which chronicled his journey back to faith, which climaxed with his baptism on December 17, 2023. He was a humble and passionate witness as he touched others with the Lord's gentle guidance.

Tom's selfless love radiated to those around him and set an example that you do not have to be blood to be family. He was even tagged with the name "Papa", because of his fatherly love and guidance. He was a gift to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, and to know him was to love him.

On June 21st, Tom closed his eyes one final time here on earth and opened them again in eternity. Now, he is riding in the sky with his bride, Pat, as they are together again!

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob and Rich, two sisters-in-laws (Elinor & Pam) and his high school sweetheart of 62 ½ years, Patty Jean (Wilhelm) Gindlesberger. He is survived by his younger brother Larry.

Family & friends will hold a celebration of life at a later date, afterwards Tom will be buried alongside of his wife in Canal Fulton Cemetery.