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LEAVITTSBURG -- Richard Blaine "Dick" Ganster, 77, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, and has made his way to The Greater Place, where the grass is greener than Augusta National and the trees are filled with 30-point bucks. He will be remembered for his kindness and mentorship and as a friend to all.
Dick was born Feb. 6, 1948, in Meadville, Pa., to Vivian "Blaine" Ganster and Frances Davidson Ganster.
He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Slippery Rock University in special education. He began his teaching career at LaBrae High School, teaching special education, continued his last 28 years in the Lakeview School District, where he led the high school multiple disabilities program, and then finished teaching middle school math and science. Dick also served as the high school boys' and girls' golf coach.
Dick was a lover of all things outdoors. His hobbies included golf, fishing, hunting and watching airplanes in the sky. In 1995, he scored Texas "Buck of the Year" and was on the cover of Buckmaster magazine. Out of all his awards and accomplishments, he was most proud of his family and grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia Blake Ganster of Leavittsburg; daughters, Brooke Ganster of Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Teale Ganster Sandoval and son-in-law, Josh Sandoval, also of Fort Mill; and grandchildren, Sullivan Scott, Violet Bieber and Greenly Sandoval.
Cremation has taken place.
A private celebration of life will be held in the spring in his special meadow in the Allegheny Mountains.
The family has requested that all donations please be made to the LaBrae Athletic Department, 1001 N. Leavitt Road, Leavittsburg, OH 44430.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
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