Gary Goss Dvorak, age 75, formerly of Shelby, passed away Monday morning, April 7, 2025 at his beloved cabin in Perrysville. His death follows a courageous three-year battle with cancer.
Gary was born on December 13, 1949 in Lakewood, Ohio to Willis and Virginia (Goss) Dvorak. He graduated from Lakewood High School in 1968. From his class of over 700 students, Gary always remained proud to be chosen to represent all the Lakewood High School athletes at a banquet for the Fellowship of Christian Athletics his senior year. He then attended Ashland College, graduating in 1972 with a degree in health and physical education. While there he was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and was a student coach for the Ashland Eagles football team.
His first teaching job was in Shelby where he met the love of his life, Sally, in a kindergarten classroom following a teacher volleyball game. They married on September 1, 1973. After their marriage, Gary’s love of the outdoors and nature took him to The Ohio State University where he briefly pursued a degree in park and recreational management. However, the lights and sounds of Friday night football drew him back. After a year as physical director of the Galion YMCA, he was hired as the defensive coordinator of the Colonel Crawford Eagles football team. Eventually he became the head coach, making many long-lasting friendships. While there, he also coached swimming and track.
In 1985, Gary returned to Shelby, taking a job teaching physical education and coaching football and track. He was also incredibly involved with “Mad Dog Gym” where he instructed weightlifting, as well as lifting himself. His passion for lifting began in junior high as he and his friends would gather to lift in “Tighe’s Shed.” In his later years, Gary was the OWA teacher at the high school, retiring in 2008.
After retiring, Gary bought a motorcycle and, together with friends, formed a group fondly called “The Mild Hogs.” This crew enjoyed both short and long trips together and many still gather to enjoy morning coffee and Wednesday night dinners.
In 2010, Gary and Sally built a log cabin in Mohican and, in 2015, moved there permanently- heading back to the outdoors. Gary frequented Planet Fitness where he was called “the mayor” because of his knack for meeting new people and making new friends, something he did quite well.
Gary and Sally traveled to Cocoa Beach, FL with their entire family every two years. They also visited Alaska, Hawaii, Glacier National Park, Charleston, and Savannah with dear friends. In 2010 they went with colleagues to the Rose Bowl where Ohio State beat Oregon to win the National Championship. Gary called this official Ohio State Alumni Tour a “spiritual experience” because of his love of football and The Ohio State Buckeyes.
The most enjoyable part of his retirement was spending time with family and following grandchildren in their activities and sports which include football, basketball, volleyball, golf, and soccer. While watching, Gary was the photographer, and Sally used the photos to make countless scrapbooks of the activities.
A career in teaching and coaching gave Gary the opportunity to guide students and athletes and show them not only how to learn skills, but also shared his philosophy of life: God, Family, Friends, and School/Work. He valued the many friendships made over his life that remain in place to this day. In appreciation for his 35 years of coaching, Gary was awarded a Lifetime Coaching Award by Jim Tressel.
Gary is survived by his family whom he cherished, his beloved wife: Sally J. (Hanno) Dvorak; daughters: Kristin (Jason) Goon of Ashland, Kari Blanchard of Lancaster, and Katie (Brent) Bird of Galena; grandchildren: Kameron Goon, Kenedi Goon, Karter Goon, Logan Blanchard, Ashlynne Blanchard, Ellie Bach, Emin Bach, Elin Bach, Tyler Bird, and Clara Bird; sister: Lynn Beveridge of Brecksville; nieces and their families: Heather (Mike) Onorati and Betsy Beveridge; and other relatives and numerous friends. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his in-laws: Harold and Winnie Hanno; and brothers-in-law: David Beveridge and Steve Hanno.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 10:30 am. Milan Lewis, Chaplain and a former player of Gary’s, will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shelby Whippet Athletic Boosters, c/o Cathy Dodge, 145 Mansfield Avenue, Apt. 7, Shelby, Ohio 44875
Online condolences may be made on Gary’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).