For the past three years, Bob has been struggling with major health issues. He was born in Canton, Oh. Bob graduated in 1950 from Timken Vocational High School and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Kent State University in 1954. Bob served two years in the United States Navy and was active in the Navy Reserves until 1970. When he enlisted in the Navy he began his career as Seaman and retired as Lieutenant Commander. Bob completed the Master Watchmaking course and later the Gemological Institute of America GIA courses receiving the American Gem Society titles of Registered Jeweler and Certified Gemologist Appraiser. Bob was a very successful businessman, owner and President of the family business, John Gasser and Son Jewelers which his father established in downtown Canton in 1937. Bob was trustee at the former United Bank of Canton, retiring in 2002 at the age of 70. He was past trustee of Canton Symphony, Canton Club, Walsh University Advisory Board, Talent Care, Canton Museum of Art, Canton Country Day School, Canton Central Catholic High School, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Canton Leadership, Corporate Community Cup and Downtown Canton Association. He was a member of Kent State University School of Business Administration, Downtown Canton Land Bank Corporation, Lifetime member of United States Navy League, Life member of Timken Vocational High School Alumni Association, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, Canton Elks 68, Canton Tomorrow, Brookside Country Club, Glenmoor Country Club, life member of North American Swiss Alliance, Pegasus Club Center for the Arts , Rotary Club of Canton, SID Canton, American Gem Society, St. Michael's Catholic Church and various trade associations. Bob volunteered his time with the Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce Pro Football Hall of Fame and assorted local charitable fund drives. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, R. Mark Gasser, September 23, 2003, and his brother-in-law, Tony Van Stralen. He is survived by his wife, Lurene Reed-Gasser of the home, his daughter and son-in-law, Gay Gasser and Paul Berg of Fairfield, CT, his stepson, Shawn K. Richardson of Los Angeles, CA. Bob is also survived by his loyal staff that he treated like family, Rebekah Berrick, Lacy Fay, David Firth, Abby Fowler, Paul Fredey, Brandon Haag, Les Hamilton, George Jepsen, Ken Lesniak, Saundra Lewis, Pat Marsh, Mary Jo Purney, Sharon Riley, Darlene Schuring, Karen Shaffer, Lin Spitale, Linda Sullivan, Patrick Wyatt, Brian and Wayne Kaschak. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 5:30 P. John's Catholic Church, 627 McKinley Avenue N. Ronald Klingler, Pastor, and Fr. Robert Kaylor, Principal of Central Catholic High School as Celebrants. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in his name to the Sisters of Charity Foundation for the Stark County Inter Agency Council for the Homeless, 220 Market Avenue S. The Lamiell Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
