Stanley Harold Gelles

Stanley Harold Gelles, age 94, adored husband of Rhoda Hiatt Gelles for 69 years, beloved father of Jeff (Paula Watnick), Lisa (Jay Costantini), and Ellen (Steve Ricanati), cherished grandfather of Julia, Sydney, and Helena Costantini, Jonah (fiancée Stephanie Bader), Mimi, and Max Ricanati, and Sara and Risa Gelles-Watnick, died on May 5.

Stan was born in Boston to Grace and Gustav Gelles. He grew up in Dorchester Massachusetts and was a proud 1948 graduate of Boston Latin School. Hereceived his B.S., M.S. and ScD. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A metallurgist and materials scientist, he relocated to Columbus, Ohio in 1968 to work at Battelle Memorial Institute and later started his own company: Gelles Laboratories, Inc., which conducted testing on metals, air samples during asbestos removal and other materials. He was especially proud of his experiments on the NASA Space Shuttle,and even had the opportunity to attend the 1983 launch. After over 50 years in Columbus, Stanley and Rhoda moved to Northeast Ohio three years ago to be closer to their family.

He loved history, and nature, traveling around the world with his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. Stan’s travel adventures always started with extensive research of local culture, history and language. He recorded these adventures with superb photography. His family and friends treasured the birthday cards that he made from his original photographs.

Stan had an upbeat and positive personality. His family and friends knew him as wise and thoughtful, but also humble. He made everyone in the room feel heard.

Stanley believed in the power of education to better people’s lives. He was a volunteer tutor in math and science for students in the Columbus Public Schools, and he helped adults who never completed High School prepare for the GED exam. Moreover, Stan was ahead of his time, encouraging his daughters to pursue math and science before these careers were widely accepted for women. He campaigned for candidates that supported his values from the local school board to congressional elections.

Stanley was a high school and college athlete and continued his enthusiasm for physical activity throughout his life. He took his family on backpacking and skiing trips. He continued to play tennis until he was 90. Most recently, he continued to enjoy exercising with Rhoda on the trails and in the fitness center.

Stanley valued his family above all else. He forged deep personal connections with each of his children and eight grandchildren, sharing his sense of adventure and his enthusiasm for the intellectual pursuits of each.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, May 8, at 9:00 AM at Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel. Graveside service at 2:00 PM, Greenlawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio. Donations in Stanley’s memory can be made to Congregation Beth Tikvah (Columbus, Ohio), Boston Latin School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Magen David Adom, or the charity of your choice.

Shiva will be held at 21176 Claythorne Rd., Shaker Heights, OH 44122 Friday, May 9 1pm-3pm-Sunday, May 11 3pm-5pm.