Gary Guemelata

Gary Guemelata, 70, passed away, surrounded by family, on August 2, 2020 after a very brief illness that claimed his life way too soon.  Gary was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed.  He was born December 23, 1949 in Bellevue, Ohio.  He was the son of the late Charles and Mary Ann (Serraino) Guemelata.

Gary was a kind and generous man who was a loyal friend to many. He was a proud member of the Bellevue High School class of 1968 and Ashland College class of 1972. He also earned a master’s degree in Administration from Bowling Green State University in 1976. 

He began his career as a teacher and coach in Northwest Ohio before becoming a guidance counselor at Ashland Jr. High where he proudly coached the AHS girls’ basketball team including two District Champion teams in 1977 and 1978 (which, in his opinion, was the greatest women’s team in AHS history). He went on to be a principal in the Vanlue, Northwestern, Milan and Hillsdale School Districts before retiring after 35 years as an educator.  His love of cars led him to become a car salesman where he spent 17 years at Bill Harris Dealerships before retiring in December.

Gary was passionate and committed to everything in his life starting with his family.  He showed his devotion to his wife of 33-years, Vickie (Clark) Guemelata, children Chrystie Reep and Bryan (Carla) Reep and grandchildren Sienna, Gemma and Luca every day.  He was dedicated to his large Italian family with many cousins including Dan and Jeannine, Carol Jean, Mary Jo, Mike, Steve and Mary Kay who were like siblings to him.  His connection to his friends spanned decades. His lifelong friends Haffey and Smitty from his childhood in Bellevue and Doug and Tom from college were fixtures in the family.

Just like Frank Sinatra, Gary did it his way.  Whether it was his early morning walks, completing a baseball card set with his son or watching one of his beloved sports teams - at home on the couch or attending a special game with Chrystie or Bryan - he never did anything halfway.  He was a friend to so many and surrounded himself with people through his lifelong memberships to Sigma Nu Fraternity, the Ashland Elks #1360, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Moose Lodge 1383 as well as the former Club Amer-Ital in Bellevue where his dad was a founding member.

Gary would be devastated if someone were to get sick gathering for him; therefore, the family will have a private mass at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Ashland on Saturday, August 15.  It will be livestreamed (details to come). A celebration of his life will be held when everyone can come together safely.  Life is a gift – cherish each day.

Memorial contributions in Gary’s honor can be made to St. Edwards School, 433 Cottage St. Ashland, Ohio 44805 or The Gridiron Foundation of Bellevue, 419 Euclid Ave, Bellevue, OH 44811

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