John  Garell

Obituary of John R. Garell

John R Garell of 2055 Altair Path, The Villages, Florida (Village of Pinellas) passed away peacefully on Friday, August 24 under the care of home hospice surrounded by his wife and daughters.  He was 75.

John was born August 30, 1942 in Allison, PA.  He was a 1960 graduate of Brownsville High School, Brownsville, PA.  In January 1963, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from what is now California University of Pennsylvania, where he was a recipient of the Chemical Rubber Company Mathematics Achievement Award. 

John began his teaching career as a mathematics instructor for the Penn Hills School District, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He earned a Master in Math Education and a Master of Arts in Mathematics from the Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania in 1965 and 1969 respectively.

On June 13, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart who became his wife of 54 years, Cassandra Sweitzer.  

Mr. Garell was one of the original 6 faculty members of Penn State University, Shenango Campus teaching mathematics, computer science, and statistics as well as running the computer lab from 1965 until his retirement in 1998.  He was the first elected chairman of the faculty at Penn State, Shenango.  He wrote numerous tutorials to help students with computer programming.  He was published in the Math Association of 2 Year Colleges Journal and wrote a number of algebra online correspondence courses.  He enjoyed making Power point presentations that involve pictures, music and animations.  From 1998 to 2008 he was a part time mathematics instructor for Kent State University.

John was a long-time member of Hermitage Kiwanis, serving as president and on the board of directors.  He was an avid golfer, member of the Penn State Club, the Three Rivers Club, Crazy Eight Ballers Couples Billiards League, the Sunday Couple’s Billiards League, and the Thursday Pinellas Couples League.  He also was the webmaster of The Village of Pinellas website and set up the website for the Ladies Duffettes Golf league.


He is survived by his beloved wife Cassandra, three daughters and their families:  Diane and Patrick Bacon, their children Maria, Joey, Nick, and Ana; Karen and David Anderson, their children Lillian, Kate, and Ellie; Cheryl Curtis, and children Sydney and Zach, all of Minnesota; brother-in-law, AJ Sweitzer, Fayette City, PA.

  He was predeceased by his parents John and Mary and a brother Albert.


In lieu of flowers, the family asks for your consideration of a memorial contribution made to the John R. Garell Renaissance Scholarship c/o Allison Engstrom, Penn State, Shenango, 147 Shenango Ave, Sharon, PA 16146.
 

Mass will be celebrated at St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Wildwood, Saturday, September 8, at 10 am followed by a family memorial and tribute at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages, FL. at 11:30 AM.

For on-line sentiments visit www.hiers-baxley.com

Saturday
8
September

Mass will be celebrated

10:00 am
Saturday, September 8, 2018
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
5323 E Co Rd 462
Wildwood, Florida, United States
3523300220
Saturday
8
September

Family Memorial and Tribute

11:30 am
Saturday, September 8, 2018
Hiers-Baxley Funeral & Cremation - Life Event Center
3975 Wedgewood Lane
The Villages, Florida, United States
3527538353
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