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Service:
Calling hours for Dave will be held on Friday, April
4, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed
immediately by a memorial service and Celebration of
Life at the O’Leary Funeral Service, 5821 US Highway
11; Canton, New York.
Funeral home:
O’Leary Funeral Service
Obituary
David Matthew Gerlach was Born in
Pittsburgh, PA to Janet and Robert Gerlach in 1962.
The youngest of 3 boys, Dave grew up in Bethel Park,
PA with his two older brothers Jeff and Steve before
moving to Fairport, NY at the age of 10. Dave
graduated from Fairport High School and went on to
further his education at SUNY Canton where he
received his associate in applied science in
Business Administration. At Canton, Dave met his
Wife of 39 years Lisa McIntosh from Harrisville, NY.
Dave was an avid learner, constantly in search of
knowledge, going on to Roberts Wesleyan to receive
his bachelor’s degree of Science in Business
Administration with an additional concentration in
Religion/Philosophy. Dave received his master’s
degree in education from St. Lawrence University and
finalized his education at Syracuse University
earning his Doctor of Philosophy in Higher
Education.
Lisa and Dave both worked to support their two
children Kayla and Josh, Dave served the students
and faculty at SUNY Canton for 30 years. He started
at Chaney Dining Center, became a Resident
Assistant, and then was hired as a Residence Hall
Director later becoming Director of Residence Life.
He became Dean of Enrollment Management from 1998 to
2003 before being named the Vice President for
Advancement and CEO of the Canton College
Foundation. Dave and Lisa decided to leave Canton in
2015, Dave fulfilled his dream of becoming a college
President at Lincoln College in Illinois. As
President Dave brought record breaking enrollment
with a 12% increase from 2019 and 29% since 2015. He
added thirteen baccalaureate degrees and two masters
degrees. He moved athletics from the NJCAA to the
NAIA. Despite his effort and achievements, in 2022
Lincoln College was forced to close its doors due to
the Covid-19 pandemic. Dave then retired after
spending 40 years in Higher Education.
Dave and Lisa moved on to Houston to live 3 miles
from their Grandchildren Harrison and Ruby (10 and 4
years old). "Papa" as the kids called him went to
every football game, baseball game, concert, soccer
game and school play. He took on multiple hobbies
working out of his garage. In retirement, he started
“The Courtroom” with Eric, Rhett and Jarrod,creating
a tight-knit community of neighbors and friends. |
Despite all his accomplishments in his
career, his most favorite lot in life was as a Husband,
Father, Grandfather and Friend. Whenever someone had a
question, he had the answers. His favorite Christmas movie
was It’s a Wonderful Life, which he truly had – “No man is a
failure who has friends”.
Calling hours for Dave will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025
from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed immediately by a memorial
service and Celebration of Life at the O’Leary Funeral
Service, 5821 US Highway 11; Canton, New York.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family
online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Local arrangements
for David M. Gerlach are under the care of the O’Leary
Funeral Service of Canton. |
