Paul Steve Gasper

SALEM - Paul Steve Gasper, 83, husband, father, brother, and grandfather, passed away April 15, 2024. He leaves behind a rich legacy of hard work and a deep connection to the land through farming, hunting, and foraging.

Paul was born on April 8, 1941, to immigrant parents from Slovakia, Steve Joseph Gasper and Mary (Vargo) Gasper. Growing up on a dairy farm in Berlin Center, he quickly assumed responsibilities like bringing in the cows for milking, embodying the value of hard work at a young age. Paul served his country in the Army and Army Reserves, stationed in Germany during the early years of the Vietnam War. For years, he was a member of the VFW in Washingtonville.

An avid outdoorsman, Paul found joy in hunting and foraging. Each fall, he traveled to Pennsylvania and West Virginia for hunting trips and relished the hunt for whitetail deer and wild turkeys on his own property. He was particularly skilled at mushroom foraging, known for his knack for finding coveted morels every spring.

On November 26,1966, he married his wife, Mary Ann (Allison) Gasper, who would also become his business partner in starting Gaspers’ Gardens – a fruit and vegetable market they operated together for 40+ years in Greenford.  They have three daughters, Michelle (Bob) Nesbitt, Denise (Greg) Hoelscher, and Karen Gasper. 

Paul is survived by his daughters and grandchildren, Kyle (Kate) Nesbitt, Evan (Krista) Nesbitt, Christian Parks, Nathaniel Hoelscher, Matthew Hoelscher, and Lucas Hoelscher. He leaves behind his two sisters, Rose (Richard) Blessing and Margaret Gasper.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steve Gasper. He shared a special bond with his niece, Steve’s daughter, Stephanie (Zak) Raynish.

In addition to his farming pursuits, Paul worked at Ohio Edison for 34.5 years as a high lineman and supervisor, contributing his skills and dedication to the community. In his later years, he developed a passion for growing exceptional stone fruit, a legacy that his grandson, Kyle will continue in collaboration with Paul’s wife, Mary Ann, carrying forward their family's multi-generational farming tradition.

A mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Leetonia on April 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. to celebrate his life.  The family will receive visitors from 10:00-11:00 a.m. before the mass. All are welcome.

May Paul find peace and continue to be a “shade more than perfect” in the afterlife.

In place of flowers, please consider contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

If unable to attend, join our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Paul's obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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