Thomas "Abe" Gierlach

Thomas “Abe” Gierlach, 81 of Canfield passed away Thursday evening, February 29^th at his residence. Thomas was born May 28, 1942 in New Castle, PA, a son of the late Andrew and Agnes (Maslyk) Gierlach. He met his wife Carol (Sesko) in New Castle and the family came to this area in 1974. Tom and Carol were together more than 70 years and recently celebrated their 61^st wedding anniversary. He graduated from New Castle High School and worked on the Assembly Line for General Motors, Lordstown Plant for 20 years as a member of UAW 1112, retiring in 1993. He worked as a travel escort for Fine Friends Tours for many years where he was able to enjoy travel with Carol through the US and Canada.  He loved traveling everywhere they went and looked forward to planning games to play and giving prizes. He was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Parish and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3298 of Austintown. He was a long time member of the Canfield Historical Society where he served as president. Thomas will be remembered by many as portraying Abe Lincoln with his wife as Mary Lincoln Todd in the annual Canfield 4^th of July parade for 20 years. He won awards for his portrayal of Abe. He worked as a presiding judge in his voting district for more than 20 years. He will be dearly missed by his wife, the former Carol A. Sesko, whom he married January 26, 1963; two daughters, Jacqueline Gierlach of Canfield, Jennifer (Bob) Ortz of Petersburg; three grandchildren, Dru (Brittany) Ortz, Amanda (Russell) Koscelansky, Zachary Gierlach, and three great-grandchildren, Audrina Koscelansky, Carson Koscelansky and Thea Ortz. Thomas also leaves his sisters-in-law, Margaret “Peg” Gierlach of Daytona Beach, FL and Mary Ann Korab of New Castle, PA, and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Gierlach. Friends may call 9am-11am on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Canfield Presbyterian Church, followed by a memorial service. The family requests material tributes take the form of contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 979 Tibbetts Wick Rd., Girard, OH  44420.