Name: Visitation for Donald Gfell
Start: 2023-01-28T09:30:00.000Z
End: 2023-01-28T10:30:00.000Z
Location: St. Mary Mother of Redeemer Church

Donald L. Gfell

Jan 9, 1942 - Jan 21, 2023

Milan

Donald L. Gfell, 81, longtime resident of Milan, passed away Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at Stein Hospice Care Center after a brief illness.

Don was born Jan. 9, 1942, in Monroeville, to the late Edward L. and Zelma M. (Haynes) Gfell.

Don graduated from Milan High School in 1960 and received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Bowling Green State University. He continued his education and received his Masters in Education from University of Minnesota. Throughout his career, he worked as both an educator and school administrator, eventually retiring after 15 years of service as Superintendent of Schools for Edison Local Schools. Don was affectionately known as "Edison Man," and was an incredibly active member of his community. Along with his loving wife of 61 years, Bobbie, he was owner and operator of Sights and Sounds of Edison antique store in Milan. He was generous beyond words, especially with his time, serving as Past President of the Milan Rotary Club, active member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Milan, and long-time board member of Edison Birthplace Museum. His love of education helped him create the C&E Foundation which has grown to offering numerous scholarships to Edison High School graduating seniors. Don had a true passion for Thomas Edison memorabilia and was one of the only individuals currently designing and hand-building reproductions of the wood horns for these phonographs. His interest in Thomas Edison and his community also led him to become instrumental in placing the statue of Thomas Edison to represent Ohio in Statuary Hall at the Capital Building in Washington D.C. By leading a committee which won the contest to update one of two statues in Statuary Hall, Don then commissioned a sculptor and the Edison statue was placed in 2016.

A teacher by nature, "Gramps," as he was known to family, embraced every opportunity to make learning fun and interesting in the classroom, at home, and on the road. In sharing his fascinating Edison collection and wealth of knowledge, Don's positive outlook and upbeat personality was truly infectious. He never gave up on anyone, always seeing the good side of others. On numerous travels across the country, Don would run into someone he knew everywhere he went. He had a big personality and effortlessly engaged with all who crossed his path. Most importantly, though, was his family. Don grew up extremely family oriented and treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Bobbie (Rockwell) Gfell; children, Ann (Tim) Spurrier of Concord Township and Greg (Cheril Walker) Gfell of Kent; six grandchildren, Eli (Ally), Ben, Noah, Patrick, Mason, and Christian; sisters, Mary Simon and Rose Reinbolt, both of Norwalk; brothers, Tom (Nancy) Gfell of Milan, Fred (Joyce) Gfell of Milan, and John Gfell of Norwalk; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and special friends.

Friends may call at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, until the time of Donald's Memorial Mass of Christian burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary Mother of Redeemer Church, 38 W. League St., Norwalk, with Francis Mariadas presiding. Burial at Milan Cemetery and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Groff Funeral Homes and Crematory, Milan, is assisting family with arrangements.

Those wishing to contribute to Donald's memory may do so to Don Gfell Scholarship in care of Edison Local Schools Citizenship & Education Foundation, 140 South Main Street, Milan, Ohio, 44846.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Norwalk Reflector on Jan. 23, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Gfell

17 Entries

Mark Mathosian

April 5, 2025

I first met Don some 18 years ago or so at the Orlando Phonograph show. Don showed me many beautiful Edison phonographs and I purchased my first machine from him, a wonderful Edison maroon GEM. Over the years we stayed in touch and did business together. Loved the man. He was soft spoken, kind, and always helpful. The world is a sadder place without him.

Richard Hood

January 2, 2025

Your smiling face, help and knowledge will always be there every time I see a wind up or crank one of mine and play it.

Richard Hood

February 2, 2024

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Richard Hood

February 2, 2024

Richard Hood

December 12, 2023

I share his memory every day when I look at pictures of the last phonograph show in Akron and the wisdom from Don every time I work on a machine or play music on the phonographs . Always miss you Don. Merry Christmas to you and all your family.

Richard Hood

November 15, 2023

My name is Richard Hood. Don took me under his wing and taught me everything that there was to repair all phonographs in a very kind way from the kind person he was.

Ray Wade (Alpharetta,GA)

August 12, 2023

I just learned of the passing of Don and I am truly saddened. I found Don on the internet during Covid when I needed a cabinet key for my Edison phonograph. I eventually called him, and he was so nice and genuine on the phone. He sent me a cabinet key for free, as he wouldn´t take any money. We talked on the phone for an hour and learned a lot about my phonograph. He was so pleasant to talk to, and I couldn´t wait to visit his antique store in Milan, OH, but it never happened.
He will be missed...

Trent Hagans

June 11, 2023

This man spent over two hours looking at and suggesting records for me. He didn´t have to do that. Such a a loss.

David N. VanMeter

February 17, 2023

His shop in Milan was the best place in the world and he was such a great gentleman. I am happy to have purchased my Edison Triumph from him. He will be missed in the antique phonograph community.

Lenny Mingus & Family

January 24, 2023

With Sympathy to the Gfell family. Rest in Peace Don.

Rob and Jennifer Morrow

January 23, 2023

We will always treasure the time we were privileged to spend with Mr. Don. He was such a special friend and kind soul. We loved listening to his stories and his knowledge about so many different things. We are so happy that we bought some of his beautiful horns, and every time we look at them, we think of him. The world has lost an amazing man but his legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, friends and community whose lives were richly blessed just by knowing him. Rest in peace Mr. Don, we will never forget you..... Jennifer and Rob Morrow

Ray Stahl

January 23, 2023

Ray Stahl

January 23, 2023

Ray Stahl

January 23, 2023

I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. My wife and I met him at his shop this past May while on a road trip from California. He was so kind to show us his Edison collection and inspired me to restore old run down Edison phonographs which has become my new hobby. I was looking forward to seeing him again this summer so this news was very sad. Our sincere condolences to his wife Bobbie and family. He was a wonderful man and a true inspiration to others. I told him I consider his wooden horns a piece of fine art which they are. Every time I play an Edison cylinder I will think of him. RIP Don.

Mike & Randy Donley

January 23, 2023

Don was one of the happiest and friendly a person that you could ever meet. His smile was always there. He and Bobbie were exhibitors at the Union Phonograph Show for over 40 years and it was Don who always opened the show with a recording of,The Star Spangeled Banner. We have all lost a good friend today and it was truly a privilege to know him. Rest in Peace old friend.
Larry, Mike, & Randy Donley

Dave Kitska

January 23, 2023

I will forever treasure my memories of Don. No phonograph show will be the same without him. I still have my first cylinder phonograph I purchased from Don 42 years ago, an Edison Standard, when I was a college student. Don's kindness, generosity, and friendly smile will be deeply missed. He was one of the greatest human beings I have had the privilege of knowing. In the hobby of collecting antique phonographs, Don was a giant with few peers. I imagine Don now sitting with Edison himself in a laboratory in the sky, tinkering with technology and discussing every aspect and detail of Edison's inventions.

Steve Schumm

January 23, 2023

Don was one of the most humble, dedicated and compassionate gentlemen that I have known.
He was always smiling, welcoming and positive. I always enjoyed my conservations with Don. He was a first-class educator, community advocate and family man. I will miss him.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results