Wesley Gahagan

Wesley Gahagan, a former resident of Boardman, Ohio passed away peacefully at Crandall Medical Center, Sebring Ohio on November 23rd, 2025. He was born on July 5th, 1929, in Punxsutawney, PA. to the late John and Nellie (Burkett) Gahagan.

He lived in Sprankle Mills, PA and attended Startzell School (a one room schoolhouse) until seventh grade when his family relocated to Youngstown, OH in 1941 to find employment in the steel industry. He often credited his one-room schoolhouse teacher and relative John Lingenfelter for providing him with an education that was years ahead of the Youngstown School system. Also, the three-mile walk to school provided him with enough physical exercise to offset the cookies that Fanny Lingenfelter often provided.

Youngstown was a booming city in 1941, and Wesley loved everything about it. He continued his education at Youngstown Princeton Jr High and Youngstown South High. He graduated from Youngstown South High in 1947 and attended Youngstown College. Wesley excelled in chemistry and worked as a chemical analyst for various steel mills and diamond reclamation companies in the Youngstown area.

Wesley enlisted in the Air Force, achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant in San Antonio Texas, and was trained as an Air Traffic Controller. After serving in the Air Force, he continued his career with the FAA and was employed at Youngstown, Cleveland Hopkins, and Port Columbus Airports until his retirement.

Wes married the love of his life, Joanne Gahagan, on May 22,1954. He proposed to her on the "Cinderella Bridge" (Silver Bridge) in Mill Creek Park. Wes and Joanne had an amazing marriage and did everything together. They enjoyed walks around Mill Creeks’ Lake Cohasset and golfing at the Mill Creek Par 3 course. Most winters were spent in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, where they enjoyed daily walks on the beach and beautiful views from the Crabby Joe’s Pier. They made many friends at their Florida condo and enjoyed playing cards, bingo, and eating out with the other Florida snowbirds.

Wesley loved to sing, and you could often hear him singing the songs “Moonlight Bay,” “Lemon Tree,” and “God Bless America.” He also enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters and attending all their sporting events.

Wes will be deeply missed by his son, Wesley (Joyce) Gahagan of North Benton, OH; granddaughters, Jennifer (Jonny) Crowder of Winston-Salem, NC; and Emily (Sean) Sims of Hartville, OH; and seven great-grandchildren, Liam, Julia, Aliza, Landen, Nathan, Paxton, and Cora.

In addition to his parents, Wes was preceded in death by his wife Joanne and siblings Mabel Hauger, Dorothy Helen Little, Donald Gahagan, Charles Lee Gahagan, and Delmas Gahagan.

Per Wes’ request there will be no funeral services.

Special thanks to Copeland Oaks Memory Care and Crandall Medical Staff for their love, compassion, and care over the past four years and to his Crandall aide Tracy who had a God-given gift for communicating with him the past few months.

Interment will be in Greenhaven Memorial Garden in Canfield, Ohio.

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