Gary Edward Smith

He was born to parents Edward and Ruth in 1947 in East Orange, NJ. Gary moved to Ohio for college at Capital University where he studied music and met his wife Janet Harner. Together, they spent 39 years creating a life filled with family and music until her passing in 2010. Gary taught vocal music, general music and piano in public schools for 37 years. The majority of those years were spent in the Plain Local School District (GlenOak, Middlebranch, Taft and Pleasant View School for the Performing Arts). Gary spent ten summers coaching his daughter with the Canton City Girls Softball Association. When his daughter’s playing days were over, she became the coach and he spent the next ten summers as her assistant. Gary’s favorite things were spending time with his family, spending time on the golf course with his son, and making music with his students and church family. In more recent years, he enjoyed Bible studies, time with his grandchildren and being able to volunteer for Compassion Delivered and Refuge of Hope. He was a faithful member of the North Canton Chapel. He will be remembered for his ability to make a friend anywhere, his caring nature and his incredible talent of creating beautiful music.

Gary was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Jan and his brother, Ronald.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 11 years, Jennifer Smith; his children, Jonathan Smith (Jayme) and Kimberly Robbins (Michael); his sister, Marjorie (Bart); and his step-children and step-grandchildren. His beloved grandchildren Jaymes, Jylliann and Joelle Smith will always cherish the time they had with their Papa.

Gary’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Aultman Hospital and the Aultman Women’s Board Compassionate Care Center for their loving care and attention during his final days.

In honoring his wishes, Gary will be cremated. Friends and family will be received on Monday, May 20, 2024 from 5-7pm at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 1 pm at North Canton Chapel. Gary will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The GlenOak Choral Music Department, to Compassion Delivered (www.compassiondelivered.org) or to Cure PSP (www.psp.org) in Gary’s memory.