In memory: Don Gfell — Milan's greatest citizen

MILAN — Don Gfell — unquestionably Milan's biggest ambassador; valued historian; local Edison Schools supporter; ardent Chargers fan; and beloved community member, brother, husband, father and grandfather — died on Saturday following a brief illness. He was 81. For those reasons and more, many consider Don as Milan's greatest citizen of all time. He dedicated his life to not only better himself but thousands of others who followed, in one way or another, a similar path. A proud legacy Born in Norwalk and living in Monroeville as a child, Don spent most of his life as a Milan resident. The 1960 Milan High School graduate prioritized education from childhood well into adulthood. He obtained a bachelor's degree in education from Bowling Green State University and a master's degree, also in education, from the University of Minnesota. Following his college graduation, Don returned to Milan, where he taught for several years and then served as Edison Schools' superintendent for 15 years. His fondness for learning helped him create the Citizenship and Education Foundation, which offered numerous scholarships to graduating seniors of Edison High School. The foundation remains active today. Don collected anything and everything related to Thomas Edison. Thomas Edison, a native of Milan, represents one of America's most prolific inventors, creating more than 1,000 patents, including for the incandescent light bulb, the phonograph and the motion picture camera. Thomas Edison also improved upon the telegraph and telephone. In retirement, and as the co-owner of Sights & Sounds of Edison on Village Square, Don and his wife, Bobbie, dedicated their antique shop to Thomas Edison, displaying those items with great pride. Don served as one of the only individuals on Earth who designed, crafted and hand-built reproductions of the phonographs, or wood horns, invented by Thomas Edison. Don considered phonographs among Thomas Edison's most prized inventions. Don also amassed an impressive light bulb collection in honor of Thomas Edison. His interest in Thomas Edison and passion for Milan led him to play an instrumental role in placing a statue of the famed inventor to represent Ohio in Statuary Hall at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. This occurred in 2016. Only a few years later, and after he led a committee, Don then worked with the very same sculptor to place an identical statute of Edison in front of Milan Town Hall. Don also played a key role in getting another statute of Edison, this time with it sitting on a bench, near the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, where Edison was born. During his free time, Don often attended various sporting contests involving the Edison Chargers. No matter at home or on the road, in-person, he would excitedly cheer on his alma mater. Affectionally known as "Gramps" by family members, Don embraced every opportunity to make learning fun and interesting in the classroom, at home and during his travels, friends and family members said. "In sharing his fascinating Edison collection and wealth of knowledge, Don's positive outlook and upbeat personality were truly infectious," his obituary read. "He never gave up on anyone, always seeing the good side of others. On numerous travels across the country, Don would run into someone he knew everywhere he went. He had a big personality and effortlessly engaged with all who crossed his path. Most importantly, though, was his family. Don grew up extremely family oriented and treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren." Don is survived by his wife, Bobbie (Rockwell) Gfell; children, Ann (Tim) Spurrier of Concord Township and Greg (Cheril Walker) Gfell of Kent; six grandchildren, Eli (Ally), Ben, Noah, Patrick, Mason and Christian; sisters, Mary Simon and Rose Reinbolt, both of Norwalk; brothers, Tom (Nancy) Gfell of Milan, Fred (Joyce) Gfell of Milan and John Gfell of Norwalk; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends. Friends may call at 9:30 a.m. Saturday until the time of Don's memorial Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Mother of Redeemer Church, 38 W. League St., Norwalk with Francis Mariadas presiding. Burial at Milan Cemetery and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. From one brother to another Tom Gfell, one of Don's brothers, penned an open letter about his sibling's life: Don was the oldest brother of six siblings. Early on in his life, Don took on the tasks as a leader and role model at home and in school. During his teen years, he worked on a farm bailing hay in grandpa's junkyard recycling metal and paper materials to earn money toward our family and his school/sports programs. Don also worked on our 12-acre family farm and helped run our dad's waste material business through high school. Don always set goals to earn and succeed by working hard at whatever he did. I am five years behind Don and have always been in his shadow at home, in school and sports. Don was highly motivated and strived to be No. 1 in his class while earning 13 Milan varsity letters and was elected top classroom officer roles. Don was always helpful with my academics and supported my sports play. Teachers/coaches/teammates labeled us "Big Giff and Little Giff." Don earned his way thru BGSU and taught math/physics/coached football/track for two years at Milan School. He earned his master's degree in education and administration and taught at Kent Roosevelt, at, which time, he and wife, Bobbie, invited me to stay with them for four years so I could earn my bachelor of science degree in health and physical education and coaching at Kent State in 1970. Don taught math, physics, became assistant principal and assistant superintendent of Kent City Schools during his tenure, 1966 through 1979. Don and Bobbie moved back to Milan in 1980, at, which time, he took over the reins of superintendent of Berlin-Milan Local Schools from 1980 through 1994, succeeding Chas Lindecamp, his mentor/advocate to present time. Don was energetic, highly motivated, driven and determined to lead and help direct Berlin-Milan Schools and adjoining communities to become their best academically and athletically in extracurriculars, facility improvement and development. He was instrumental with school boards, staff and parents to help make Berlin-Milan Schools top-notch under his tenure/leadership. Don worked day and night to achieve/accomplish goals for the district. He was always a friend to anyone he met, highly respected for his genuineness, broad knowledge and wisdom. Don was always one of the most involved educators, civic leaders and readily visible and sought out throughout the schools and communities. Don modeled his life around Edison. It's no wonder that Don's students called him Mr. Donald " Edison" Gfell, this being a label his supporters, friends and loved ones will never forget as his legacy and love for others lives on in our homes, schools, workplaces and communities. Don's idol/ hero, Thomas A. Edison, depicts/befits my beloved brother's lifestyles best by the workmanship, quality and beauty he puts into his handmade production of wood horns-likened to the interest in kids and their eventual development, career and adult success. Peace and love. Speaking up Several friends and those who knew Don Gfell spoke about their experiences and interactions with him. Collectively, they consider him Milan's greatest citizen, surpassing his idol, Thomas Edison: When my husband and I moved to Milan in early 1975, it didn't take long before we met Don Gfell. In those years, Don was a teacher and soon became superintendent of Edison Schools, so he was quite visible in all our community affairs. When he retired as our superintendent, he opened an antique shop just off our Village Square. There is where he really began to share his life's passion, the celebration of Thomas A. Edison. In his shop were many examples of Edison's inventions and legacy, most visible were Edison phonographs and records. From experience, Don knew that wooden horns fitted to these phonographs made them sound even better. So he began making these fine-crafted wooden horns out of beautiful hardwoods. The desire to own one of his handmade horns grew to become worldwide. I also have an antique shop on Milan's Village Square. Every year, people pass through Milan from all over the country and often wind up in my shop. When I speak with them about our village, I cannot help but turn the conversation to Don Gfell and the shop he shares with his wife, Bobbie. Over the years, I've had the pleasure to work with Don on many fronts: from the chamber of commerce to the Summer Antique Fest. His efforts, always fueled by gracious kindness and charitable intent, are obvious all over our community. But Don's legacy stretches far and wide. Due to his passion for Edison, Don championed a decade-long crusade, collaborating with our senators and congressmen, to see a statue of Thomas A. Edison placed in Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C. Again, I ask myself why am I proud to live in Milan: It is because of people like Don Gfell, plain and simple. His memory will live on with everyone who has had the privilege to know him. — Milan Mayor Pamela Crosby Don Gfell has been the most active and influential community leader in Milan for decades. Personally, he inspired me as a senior at Edison High School by expressing his congratulations for my earning a particular award while emphasizing the important qualities of leadership, attitude, enthusiasm, behavior and sportsmanship needed to be a real winner. I have proudly displayed that superintendent's letter for over 40 years now. Always willing to offer wise consultation, Don was a true teacher and important mentor for me and my family. — Milan Township trustee Dan Frederick Don was so proud to be a resident of the community where Thomas Edison was born and for whom its schools were named. Don was a dedicated ambassador of Milan and advocate of the Edison school district. Every year, he explained to the graduates that Edison's name on their diploma is recognized around the world, and it was their responsibility and honor to uphold Edison's traditions with pride. Through a local foundation he started years ago that awards scholarships to seniors, Don provided assistance to countless students pursuing post-secondary studies. Don and his wife, Bobbie, were true Charger fans. They regularly attended school activities and seldom missed athletic events. Don will be dearly missed, but his legacy with the school district and community will last forever. — Edison High School principal Jeff Goodwin It was my pleasure to know Don Gfell through the Edison school community as well as our Milan Rotary Club. Don was viewed as a community leader by those who knew him, as he was always involved in projects that benefited the Edison Local School District or the town of Milan. As a past superintendent, he was very passionate about the Edison Local School District and enjoyed attending school events with his family. Don's presence in this community will be greatly missed as he meant so much to lots of people. — Edison Elementary School principal David Hermes Don Gfell hired me at Edison High School and gave me a wonderful opportunity to work with the Edison music students. I am going to miss Don at our music events and especially the Melon Festival. — Denise Reilly, band director for Edison high and middle schools Where does one even begin to explain what Mr. Don Gfell has meant to his wife Bobbie, his family and our community? Each morning, you would see Don and Bobbie walking around our village or walking to and from the Coffee Station. They were inseparable. Walking into their Sights & Sounds of Edison antique store, and, sure enough, he and Bobbie would be there together. Don would more than likely be in the back of the shop making Thomas Edison replica wooden horns for phonographs, and Bobbie would be manning the front of the store. It would be hard-pressed to find another couple who loved each other more than Don and Bobbie. For our community, he was an icon and an ambassador, if you will, for everything about Milan and Thomas Edison. He was a member of many, many groups, such as the Milan Chamber of Commerce and Milan Rotary, to name a couple. Several of his biggest accomplishments for our village was that he and a small group petitioned to have a statue of Thomas A. Edison to represent Ohio in Statuary Hall at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. He became great friends with the sculptor who created the statue. In turn, the sculptor donated to Don a second Edison statue that he placed in front of the Milan Township Town Hall. He later commissioned the sculpture to create Thomas A. Edison sitting on a bench which he placed in front of the Edison Birthplace, where villagers and guests can get their picture taken. Don always had a smile on his face, and the energy he presented was infectious. He loved our little village, and he will be missed dearly by many. — Brian Rospert, Milan administrator I knew Don all my life. We rode the same school bus together: He was in high school, and I was in grade school in Milan at the time. He was one of my math teachers in high school and a very good one. He was a mentor to me all of my adult life. We spoke frequently, and I always looked forward to his advice. He was a close friend. All of Milan will miss his enthusiasm for Milan's history. — Sparky Weilnau, former Milan Township trustee and former Erie County commissioner Milan and the Edison Birthplace have lost an outstanding member of the community and friend to all, Don Gfell. I first knew Don as superintendent of Edison Schools. I asked him to be a trustee of the Edison Birthplace. His energy and enthusiasm for anything Edison were boundless. I learned so much from him. He was my No. 1 adviser and navigator on birthplace issues. He made things happen. Over the past 35 years, he and I worked on many exciting and memorable projects, his biggest and best project was being committee chair for getting the Thomas A. Edison statue representing the great state of Ohio in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol — a near replica of the statue is in front of the Town Hall in Milan. Over the decades, we worked on many different projects: Invention Conventions for grade-schoolers; dealing with our sister city in Japan; hosting exchange students — and he and his daughter, Ann, went to Japan with students from Edison — the Edison coin from the U.S. Mint that took 14 years; hosting Mickey Rooney; different Edison celebrations; to our last project, 175th celebration of Edison's birth held last October. He and his wife Bobbie were an invincible team. I enjoyed working with him immensely. Some of my favorite sayings from Don are, "If you want something done, ask a busy person", and "When you are given a lot, you have a responsibility to give back a lot". A generous and delightful soul, the loss of "Edison Man" leaves a void in the community and in our hearts. — Robert Wheeler, president of the Edison Birthplace Association