Gerald Leroy Bandelean

Gerald Leroy “Gary” Bandelean, an Ohio native, passed away peacefully in Naples, Florida, on March 13, 2026, at the age of 93. He was surrounded by loved ones both in person and in spirit, including his loyal dog, Charlie.

Gary was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ann Louise Bandelean, who passed away in March 2024. Her memory remained a constant source of comfort to him, and he missed her deeply throughout his final years.

He is survived by his daughters, Sue Pilling (Daniel) of Minnesota and Nicole Rupp (Jack) of Florida, as well as his grandchildren: Jon Pilling, Chris Pilling, Scott Rupp, and Jamie Rupp.

Born on January 5, 1933, in Danbury, Ohio, Gary grew up on the family farmstead as the only son of Robert and Josephine (Eberle) Bandelean. He graduated from Danbury High School and went on to serve in the United States Army, spending time stationed in Germany. After returning home, he attended Bowling Green State University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health and physical education. He married Ann Louise Zerck on December 29, 1956, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor.

Following his graduation, Gary and Ann settled in Perrysburg, Ohio, where he began a long and influential career as a teacher and coach. In the 1960s, the family moved to Michigan, living in Utica and later in Rochester for more than three decades. Gary retired from the Lamphere School District in Madison Heights, Michigan, where he taught physical education and coached. In the late 1980s, he and Ann retired to Marco Island, Florida.

Gary took great pride in establishing the wrestling program at Lamphere High School and in creating a weight training facility that inspired generations of students to pursue physical fitness. His passion for wrestling extended far beyond the classroom; he was active in both Freestyle and Greco Roman wrestling communities around the world. He is fondly remembered for his mentorship, and many former students and wrestlers continued to visit him in Florida during his later years, some of whom went on to become teachers, coaches, and mentors themselves.

Throughout his life, Gary enjoyed a wide range of interests, including playing football and running track at Bowling Green, leading the Lamphere ski club and skiing with his family, landscaping, drilling wells for sprinkler systems, tennis, photography, and even making beef jerky on his homemade rooftop cooker. Gifted with a natural ability to build and repair, he was always eager to help neighbors and friends with their home projects.

Gary and Ann also owned a small general contracting business, building and remodeling homes. For them, building was not only a profession but also a shared passion and cherished pastime. The family spent many vacations on Marco Island, where they continued to build homes—a place that ultimately became their full time retirement destination. They later moved to Naples, Florida, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

A poem by Donna Ashworth, When I Go, Don’t Learn to Live Without Me, brought Gary great comfort after Ann’s passing and stands as a tribute to all loved ones who have left this earth, reminding us that they remain with us always. When I go, don’t learn to live without.. (https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=904327097722687&id=100044362152366)