David M. Gerlach

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.

American Heart Association
P.O. Box 417005, Boston MA 02241
Web: http://heart.org

Samaritan's Purse
P.O. Box 3000, Boone NC 28607
Tel: 1-828-262-1980
Web: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/

Gerlach Family Nursing Endowment Scholarship c/o Canton College Foundation
34 Cornell Drive, Canton NY 13617
Web: http://sunyalumni.canton.edu/g/scholarships