George E. Gessner

George Edward Gessner CORTLAND- George Edward Gessner, age 74, passed away Saturday, February 23rd at St. Joseph Hospital. George was born January 24, 1945 in Youngstown to the late John and Evelyn (Ensign) Gessner. He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1962. George received his bachelors degree from Hiram College and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron. He returned to Cortland as a teacher at Lakeview High School and taught Government and Social Science. During his teaching years, his interest in students and Lakeview sports led him to coach the Boys Cross Country team. After teaching, he joined his father in the practice of law at Gessner & Platt Co., L.P.A. where he continued to serve and counsel the community for 50 years. George was a member of the Cortland Jaycees later known as the Cortland Mens Club, the Cortland Moose Lodge, the Cortland-Bazetta Historical Society, the Lakeview Booster Club, the Committee for the Lakeview High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Trumbull County Bar Association and a Director on the Cortland Bank Board (emeritus). George loved to spend time outdoors with his family and friends, often at the cabin he and Linda built in Jamestown, PA. George was a friend to everyone he met. His compassion and generosity for the community and its members was unparalleled. He always had a smile on his face and a pleasant greeting to offer. He will be remembered as an advocate, teacher, counselor and friend for so many. George loved sharing stories of old Cortland and enjoyed music of all kinds, particularly Bluegrass. He was loyal fan and supporter of all Lakeview sports, especially cross country and basketball. Besides his parents, George is preceded in death by his wife Linda (Krug) Gessner, and an infant daughter. He is survived by his daughters Jenna Gessner (Aaron) Polak and Leesa Gessner (Mike) Montandon, two grandchildren Payton and Grayson Polak, and close cousins John (Sue), Burke (Beth), Terry (Sandy), and Judy Ensign. Private funeral services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the "George E. Gessner Memorial Scholarship Fund," which will aid Lakeview cross county athletes in their pursuit of higher education. George will forever be missed by many family members, friends, colleagues and former students. You can find the George E. Gessner Memorial Scholarship Fund under the "Fund Name" drop-down menu on webpage https://hcf2.advisorwebsite.com/donate or mail to Hudson Community Foundation at PO Box 944, Hudson, Ohio 44236 for the benefit of the George E. Gessner Memorial Scholarship fund. Visit www.lanefuneralhomes.com to share memories and condolences with Georges family.