Gary Goss Dvorak
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).
To view Gary’s Tribute Video, click here: Gary Dvorak Tribute Video
Sally and family sorry to hear of Gary’s passing
God help you through the days ahead and keep all those good memories in your heart
Sounds like he enjoyed life to the fullest and touched many
I’m so sorry Kristen for you and your family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My Prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this sad time but cherish the memories and Gary’s legacy. I also remember you as great neighbors.
We are so sorry to hear the loss of Gary. Our deepest sympathies for the entire family. I enjoyed working with Gary at school. Such a nice family. He will be missed by many. Prayers for comfort in your days ahead. May Gary rest in peace.
I’m so very sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. Gary was my big brother in our fraternity and I admired and loved him! He was one of the strongest and kindest person I have ever known. I know from his Christmas letters and his Facebook posts that he loved his family so very much! He will be missed!
We’re sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Our deepest sympathies and many condolences.
One of the greatest influences in my career. Coach was top notch. Knowledgeable respectful compassionate and a great role model. I am so glad I had the opportunity to work with him and absorb a small bit of his energy. He was truly a great man.
Gary and Sally have been very special people in our lives ,when we first moved to Colonel Crawford back in 1975. They were wonderful role models who promoted faith, family, football and friendship, They welcomed us and our children into their home with many football parties and get togethers. A very special time in our lives full of wonderful memories made from two very special people. Love and support at such a sad time. Gary will be missed by many. Love you Gary
Sally, all of you are in my prayers.
We are so sorry to read of Gary’s passing. He was a great man & coach. His family was so important to him. RIP.
So very sorry to hear of Coach’s passing. He was a tremendous teacher and coach and an even better man. He was a wonderful influence on me during my Colonel Crawford years instilling a passion to coach and be that kind of positive mentor to kids like he was. You will be missed Coach!
Saying good bye to a dear friend never gets any easier.
Gary you will be missed for your insight to Friday night football, basketball volleyball. I always look forward to sitting with you and Sally and listening
to your explanation of the football formations and your uncanny ability to see what the play,
was before the ball was even snapped.
Your love for Sally your girls and your grandchildren (and my son Jason) should be a guide for all parents and grandparents to follow.
Good bye my friend.
God is getting a good one in you.
God bless your family, friends and especially you.
Until we meet again.
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your Husband, Father and Grandpa. Knowing him as a coach and teacher, he was great as both. He will be missed by many. May God see you through these sad times.
Please accept my family’s prayers and condolences on the loss of your father, husband and grandfather. Gary was one of my most cherished coaches, and I was also lucky to work with him early in my teaching career. His kindness will stick with me forever, as he was always positive and caring as a teacher and coach. Thank you for sharing him with the thousands of kids and friends that he’s touched in his life. Blessings to all of you.
Sally and Family: Ron and I are so sad to hear about Gary’s passing. He fought so hard and now he can rest in peace. His humor and smiles will be missed.
One of the greatest! I can say that he was one of the few out there who perfectly guided me as a young man. One who pushed you hard to achieve your goals, but did it in a way that you know he truly cares for you. Prayers for your family and Coach Dvorak.
Sincere condolences to the Dvorak family. Fond memories of Mr. Dvorak from high school.
Sally and family. I am very sorry and saddened by my Friend Gary’s passing. I feel blessed that I was able to have a recent phone conversation with him. He was truly a special person and friend. May we all learn from some of the many positives he brought to our lives! Love you my brother. RIP
Jon Daup
Dear Friends & family….. I have not seen Gary in several years, & did not know he was sick, but I did have the opportunity to work with Gary thru the media @ WQEL.92.7FM, while he was coaching @ Col Crawford, & I followed his coaching career, when he was at Shelby too. Gary was alway exceptionally co-operative with me, & all other media outlets… Please accept my condolences…. North Central Ohio will long remember Coach Gary Dvorak. Sincerely, Davey Jones WQEL. 92.7FM Bucyrus
Gary,Was a such wonderful Guy, can’t ever recall seeing him mad or difficult. I first met him when Pledging PHI KAPPA PSI, ,fifty four years ago. After college everyone went their separate ways but in the last ten years some of us reconnected.Gary and I communicated several times a year talking sports,religion family,dogs,nature etc. He loved telling me about his grandchildren’s many scholastic/athletic successes reciprocated with a few of my own. While never having the opportunity to participate in athletic events with him,there is little doubt in my mind that Gary was inspirational coach to the many mentored during his lengthy career.Should I live to be one hundred years,Gary will always be remembered for his “big heart and kind demeanor.”
So sorry for the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Always appreciated running into Gary at the gym or sporting events. He always had a smile on his face and sure was proud of his grandchildren. May you all find peace in God’s comfort during this time
Rest In Piece Gary. In the short time I knew You, i always enjoyed our conversations and You and Sally being great neighbors to Patty and Myself.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Gary was one of the best and he will be missed. May your loving memories help heal the pain of your loss.
My condolences to your beautiful family. It was my honor to meet with your family and what an amazing legacy he has left behind. I’m sending peace, love and light.
I can’t say enough about Gary. He taught so much regarding the ‘right way’ to live your life, while still having fun. He taught me the importance of family…… And of course, a great deal about the game of football. As an original member of ‘The Old Guard’, he will always be missed.
I am deeply saddened to hear that Gary passed! What a wonderful man! I am keeping your family in prayer! I know he will always be with you though he has left this earth. Protecting you, guiding you and cheering you on as he has always done. Peace and Blessings be with you all. May his soul rest in peace.
I am sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I first met Gary as an OWE instructor for my restaurant in Shelby. He was always excellent to work with and cared about the kids he placed succeeding. Later in life I recognized Gary in the gym and reminded him of our earlier relationship. We would talk sports and family(he also coached my son-in-law) and grandchildren. Prayers for the family,I will miss him in the gym.
Sally and family, so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Lifting you and family up in prayer.Thinking of you through this difficult time. Sally and Jim Messenger.
Gary and I are both saddened by Gary’s passing!! I am so sad for you, Sally! Wish I could give you a big hug! Your Family will keep you going…they look amazing! Carole Reynolds Moose
Judy and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I’ll always remember the good times, that Gary and I had, while on cafeteria duty together. He gave the name of “The Great Swami”, to me, because I knew so many of the older people and events in Shelby. His good friend, Dr. William Polinski, some times calls me that. What a great guy Gary was. He was always pleasant and positive.
I feel honored, to have known him.
Bill Van Horn
Sally and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Wish I had some special words that would take away the hurt, but there are none. I will be praying for all of you in the days and weeks to come as you adjust to this “new normal” in your lives. I pray that you will be able to remember all the good times and joys you shared to bring some comfort, and to remind yourselves that where he is now is better than we could imagine – with his heavenly Father, and you will all be together again someday – forever. Love and hugs for you, Sally!
Gary was a good friend, riding our motorcycles, meeting for daily breakfast or going to Wednesday night dinners he was always fun to be with, he will be missed.
Condolences to Sally and family.
Very honored to have been neighbors in mid 80s-early 90s. Sally and girls, May the Lord abundantly bless you with peace and comfort. Gary touched so many lives and was a true blessing to all those he touched.
Sally~
Our deepest sympathy.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I had such respect for Gary.
He was always so good with me.
Sending lots of hugs to his family . I remember so many good memories from him teaching an helped so many students in my owa an owe program showing us work ethic an experience an all around was just an amazing teacher .
Sally& family, My deepest sympathy so sorry for your loss ! Will keep you in prayer!
Dear Sally, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on Gary’s passing. May your memories give you comfort and peace your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our deepest sympathy to you Sally and your family during this difficult time.. Gary touched our lives with his zest for life, positive attitude , caring personality and empathy for others. He was a great listener who made all feel special. I loved coaching with Gary, unfortunately for only a couple of years but he did make a deep impression on me. His laughter was contagious and his smile comforting.. Family, Faith, and Friends obviously guided his life. May God Bless him and bring peace and comfort to you and your family.
It’s been 46 years since I graduated from high school, and close to 40 years since I last ran into Mr. Dvorak, but his influence and impact on my life have endured. Mr. Dvorak and Mr. Reinking came to Colonel Crawford in 1974 and by their second year heading the football program, established a winning tradition that last has lasted 50 years. In a very short time, a phenomenal staff was assembled that led to the first league championship in school history.
I was blessed at having Mr. Dvorak as high school phys. ed teacher, and position coach in football. His enthusiasm and dedication to everything he did were qualities I remember most. He lifted weights and jogged during his lunch period. He had great patience with students and players, and I never saw him angry. Mr. Dvorak was a solid man, honest, trustworthy, liked, and respected by all he knew, qualities that are rare today. One of fondest memories I have is when Mr. Dvorak and Mr. Reinking visited me at my house after I had broken my leg in football, which they didn’t have to do, but it showed how much they cared for their players. I am greatly saddened by the passing of Mr. Dvorak, and my prayers are with Mrs. Dvorak and their family.
Such a great person and coach! Touched so many lives! His positive influence could never be forgotten. Prayers to your family in this tough time!
Sally and family, ever so sorry / saddened about Gary’s passing. When it comes to being neighbors and best of friends at the same time, the Dvorak family has the highest of honor and the best of the best to offer to any and all. From meeting Gary and your family a very long time ago through the Pontiac Dealership in Galion that I was working at the time, to being around the corner neighbors in Galion, to buying the lot and building a house right next door to you in Shelby. Absolutely the best neighbors / friends that we could ever have!
There are so many memories. My all time favorite, was when Gary found out that we bought the lot beside you, and started to build our house, Gary’s reaction was priceless. He very excitedly said ” my cars are going to last forever now”! That will be with me forever. That’s the way I’m going to remember Gary. My son Jared told me something the other day, that I would like to share with you. Jared’s mother, Carolyn passed in 2017, now she has her best neighbor / friend beside her again. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
I was saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I have so many fond memories of our families getting together while growing up. He was a great man and will be sorely missed!
I imagine he and my dad are already hard at play and surely up to some sort of antics.
May God shine a light on each of you through these tough times!
So sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there. If I wasn’t sick I would be. Coach meant a lot to me. He was a very powerful influence in my life. I was glad to call him a friend. R I P Coach. I will miss you very much especially on our birthdays. May December 13 always be remembered for you and me. So sorry for your loss Sally, girls and grandkids. My his memory live on forever. Love Randy Fullenkamp
Sorry to hear of Mr. Dvorak’s passing, he was a good teacher and great man. Most teachers never got through to me but he always did. Rest easy my friend
I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. Coach Dvorak was a great man and coach. He was one of my favorite coaches and I many fond memories of him. He will be dearly missed but always remembered.
Im so very sad to learn this. My husband, Timothy Gerrity was a friend and attorney for the family. He had such affection for them. He always said “he is one of the finest men I have ever met” whenever Gary’s name was mention. In the next breath he would talk to me about ” sweet Sally”. I only knew them through his words and as my FB pals but this news makes me cry because I have learned to love them through my darling Tim. I so so sorry Sweet Sally and all this fine family. My prayers are with you. hugs, Leslie Zollinger Gerrity
Sally and family so sorry to hear of your loss You have a lot of great memories sending prayers and positive vibes to help you through this sad time God be with you and your girls
Gary will be in my memories forever!! What a special man. I will always have fond memories of him when I hear Cocoa Beach mentioned, Dunkin Donuts, and “Pack em up, Sal” I imagine he will have a special seat on the 50 yard line! What a example of a special human being for us all to exemplify. Thanks for touching my family and I in so many ways.
Dear Kristin and family,
Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending heartfelt condolences.