Obituary for Herbert Walter Gansz
Herbert W. Gansz, 100 Years Young, loving Husband, Father, PopPop, Brother, Uncle, Educator, and Friend, went to his heavenly home on January 19, 2021 to be reunited with his beloved wife, Elsie. Herb was born in Philadelphia, PA on April 27, 1920, the second of twin boys, born to Anthony and Katherine Gansz. In 1928 the family moved to Brooklawn, NJ where Herb lived for 75 years, until he and Elsie moved to their retirement home in Deptford.
In 1942 Herb was drafted to serve in WWII. He was trained in radar enemy aircraft detection and stationed in the South Pacific. He spent 3 years in Hawaii and other small islands farther out in the Pacific. His girlfriend, Elsie Colton wrote to him every day he was away, and they married in 1946. Elsie and Herb were happily married for 71 years.
Herb had returned from the war in 1945 and started attending Glassboro State College on the GI Bill. He completed his degree in 3 years and enrolled in night classes at the University of Pennsylvania and received his Master’s Degree in Education.
While attending the University of Pennsylvania, Herb took his first teaching job at Barnsboro School teaching 7th and 8th grades. The following year he moved to J. Mason Tomlin School in Mantua as a teaching principal for 3 years.
In 1953 Herb was appointed the first Superintendent of Schools in the small but growing township of Deptford. Here he helped the school system to grow to accommodate a fast-growing influx of development and baby boom population. He oversaw the addition of seven new schools, including Deptford High School, Monongahela Jr. High School, and 5 elementary schools in 15 years. Herb left Deptford in 1968 to become Superintendent of Schools in Haddon Heights. Here he continued to be an advocate for the teaching staff and quality education for every student.
Herb began attending Sunday School at Brooklawn Methodist Church in 1928 and became a member in 1935. He was the oldest and longest member of the congregation. Over the years he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Official Board, as well as Chairman of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.
Elsie and Herb traveled throughout the United States by travel trailer visiting almost every state. They flew on the Concorde to England and returned sailing on the QEII. They visited Asia including China in the years it was first opened to foreign visitors. They cruised Europe and saw their grandson marry in Romania. They owned a home at the Jersey Shore where they spent many summers welcoming family and friends. Herb enjoyed playing cards and games with his guests. He was affectionately called "Champo" because he usually won. Herb had a great sense of humor and served as a mentor to many. He was kind, generous, and always grateful to God for His blessings to him. He and Elsie took care of many family members in their time of need.
Herb is survived by his 3 daughters, Beverly (Paul) Lehto, Judith (Steve) Glick, Katherine (James) Athey and 5 Grandchildren, Paul (Kelly) Lehto, Kimberly (Chris) Brosius, Cynthia (Jin) Ro, Lauren (Vinny) Athey-Janka, Kevin (Tania) Athey, and seven great grandchildren, Ryan, Connor, and Tyler Brosius, Makenzie and Colton Lehto, and Ainsley and Olivia Ro. Herb was predeceased by his wife, Elsie; his sister, Florence Blosser; his brother Ralph and his twin brother, Raymond.
Family and friends may visit (masks and social distancing required) on Saturday, January 23rd from 10 am to 12 pm with Funeral Services held at 12 noon at Brooklawn United Methodist Church, Maude and Hannevig Aves., in Brooklawn. Interment will follow in Harleigh Cemetery in Camden. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations to Brooklawn United Methodist Church or the Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061 would be appreciated. Memories and Condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
In 1942 Herb was drafted to serve in WWII. He was trained in radar enemy aircraft detection and stationed in the South Pacific. He spent 3 years in Hawaii and other small islands farther out in the Pacific. His girlfriend, Elsie Colton wrote to him every day he was away, and they married in 1946. Elsie and Herb were happily married for 71 years.
Herb had returned from the war in 1945 and started attending Glassboro State College on the GI Bill. He completed his degree in 3 years and enrolled in night classes at the University of Pennsylvania and received his Master’s Degree in Education.
While attending the University of Pennsylvania, Herb took his first teaching job at Barnsboro School teaching 7th and 8th grades. The following year he moved to J. Mason Tomlin School in Mantua as a teaching principal for 3 years.
In 1953 Herb was appointed the first Superintendent of Schools in the small but growing township of Deptford. Here he helped the school system to grow to accommodate a fast-growing influx of development and baby boom population. He oversaw the addition of seven new schools, including Deptford High School, Monongahela Jr. High School, and 5 elementary schools in 15 years. Herb left Deptford in 1968 to become Superintendent of Schools in Haddon Heights. Here he continued to be an advocate for the teaching staff and quality education for every student.
Herb began attending Sunday School at Brooklawn Methodist Church in 1928 and became a member in 1935. He was the oldest and longest member of the congregation. Over the years he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of the Official Board, as well as Chairman of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee.
Elsie and Herb traveled throughout the United States by travel trailer visiting almost every state. They flew on the Concorde to England and returned sailing on the QEII. They visited Asia including China in the years it was first opened to foreign visitors. They cruised Europe and saw their grandson marry in Romania. They owned a home at the Jersey Shore where they spent many summers welcoming family and friends. Herb enjoyed playing cards and games with his guests. He was affectionately called "Champo" because he usually won. Herb had a great sense of humor and served as a mentor to many. He was kind, generous, and always grateful to God for His blessings to him. He and Elsie took care of many family members in their time of need.
Herb is survived by his 3 daughters, Beverly (Paul) Lehto, Judith (Steve) Glick, Katherine (James) Athey and 5 Grandchildren, Paul (Kelly) Lehto, Kimberly (Chris) Brosius, Cynthia (Jin) Ro, Lauren (Vinny) Athey-Janka, Kevin (Tania) Athey, and seven great grandchildren, Ryan, Connor, and Tyler Brosius, Makenzie and Colton Lehto, and Ainsley and Olivia Ro. Herb was predeceased by his wife, Elsie; his sister, Florence Blosser; his brother Ralph and his twin brother, Raymond.
Family and friends may visit (masks and social distancing required) on Saturday, January 23rd from 10 am to 12 pm with Funeral Services held at 12 noon at Brooklawn United Methodist Church, Maude and Hannevig Aves., in Brooklawn. Interment will follow in Harleigh Cemetery in Camden. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations to Brooklawn United Methodist Church or the Macular Degeneration Foundation, PO Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061 would be appreciated. Memories and Condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.