Leonard A. Gessler 1956-2024

Leonard, who was known as Lennie, was born Thursday, May 10, 1956, in Youngstown, a son of Leonard H. and Eleanor (who was known as Ellie) Napolitan Gessler.

Lennie was a 1974 graduate of Ursuline High School, member of the Ursuline High School Class of 1974 Reunion Committee, attended Youngstown State University and graduated from Biscayne College in Florida with a degree in sports administration. This led to a career in professional, college and local sports programs.

In the professional ranks, Lennie was employed by the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball League, the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League and the Men’s and Women’s Professional Bowlers Tour. He enjoyed his time at The University of Tulsa with the soccer program. Lennie was a licensed funeral director, where he spent over 52 years with the McCauley Funeral Home.

His career flourished on the local level because of his participation in different venues. He was the sideline reporter for high school football games of the week for numerous years with iHeart Radio and Jim Campbell. Lennie was a football coach for over 15 years in the city of Youngstown and Austintown. Lennie also was the head coach of the Austintown Girls Golf Team for over 10 years. He was the announcer for the Josh Hepner Memorial Wrestling Tournament, the Eastern Ohio Wrestling League at Austintown Fitch High School and the Austintown Fitch Hall of Fame Dinner. Lennie was a certified track official for the Ohio High School Athletic Association, was a fan of Notre Dame Football and enjoyed bowling and, especially, golf.

Lennie leaves to cherish his memory brothers, Robert (Carol) of Poland, Brian of Canfield, Jeff (Lorie) of Boardman and Dave (Monica) of Poland; nieces and nephews, Aereal (Dan) Martin, Mat Gessler, Amy (fiance, Luke Carr) Gessler, Patrick (Nikki) Gessler, Brenna (Mike) Livi, Elyse (Rishabh) Keskar, Olivia (Cody) McCullough, Gabriella (Dan Fernback) Gessler, Madison (Kory) Kasten, Macey Gessler, Montana (Dante) Dechellis, David Gessler and Dean Gessler; 17 great-nieces and great-nephews; and his special friend, Julie Gallenstein.

Besides his parents, Lennie was preceded in death by his stepfather, Thomas Russell, after his father passed away at an early age; and his beloved dog, Roxie.

The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, contributions to Angels for Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, OH 44406.

The family will receive relatives and friends 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024, at St. Edward Church.

Additional calling hours will be 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at the church, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m., celebrated by Monsignor Robert Siffrin.

Thoughts and condolences may be sent to the funeral home website www.mccauleyfuneral.com.

Arrangements by The McCauley Funeral Home privileged to serve the Valley for more than 122 years!

As Lennie’s passing is so sad to many people, it is just a reminder, he passed away doing something he genuinely loved — GOLF.

(special notice)