Joseph Earnest Gains passed away suddenly at home on May 17, 2022, after waging a valiant battle against Parkinson’s disease. Joe was beloved by many in the two generations of students he taught at Wadsworth High School and the University of Akron. His loving kindness and patient direction were a gift to all who knew him.
Left to mourn are his wife Wendy Turrell Gains, who lost the love of her life; his stepsons Jeffrey (Debra) Bogniard and Jason (Michele) Bogniard; beloved grandchildren Alex, Ava and Ella Bogniard; and cherished goddaughter Alyssa Liberatore; as well as his much-loved extended family, many friends and colleagues.
Joe was originally from Steubenville, Ohio the son of the late Homer H. and Isabelle Marie Pacchino Gains.
Joe was a natural teacher and mentor, who especially relished his role as head coach of the Wadsworth High School Speech and Debate Team for 29 years. He was happiest in front of a classroom, saw the best in every individual, and rejoiced at the successes of his students. Joe was a 3 Diamond Award-winning coach from the National Forensic League, and in 1998 he was inducted into the Ohio High School Speech League Hall of Fame. In 2018 he was honored as an Educator Emeritus in the Wadsworth High School Hall of Fame.
Joe believed in the power of civil public discourse. He was an active producer of shows for WCTV, Wadsworth’s public access television station, including programs with his speech classes, interview shows and panel discussions. He received an award for creating his 1,000th show in 2018.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadsworth, Ohio on Friday, May 27 at 11 a.m. Friends may call at the church at 10 a.m. Calling hours will also be held on Thursday, May 26 from 5-7 p. m. at Rose Hill Funeral Home on 3653 West Market Street in Akron.
Joe’s desire was to fund a scholarship for Wadsworth High School Speech and Debate students. Until a separate fund is set up, donation checks may be made out to "Wadsworth City Schools" with the notation that it is for the Joseph Gains Memorial Scholarship Fund, and sent to 524 Broad St., Wadsworth, OH 44281.
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