SUNY Canton College Council Responds to David M. Gerlach’s Passing

The SUNY Canton College Council has issued the following statement on the passing of former Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach, Ph.D., ’83.

“The world is a little dimmer today without Dave Gerlach’s light and wisdom. On behalf of the entire SUNY Canton College Council, we send our deepest sympathy to Lisa and the family. Dave devoted most of his career and work life to SUNY Canton. From beginning as an RD to the position of head of Advancement for the College, everywhere Dave worked he made a difference, and SUNY Canton is the better because of him. His legacy of learning and caring lives on in the many lives he touched. Dave’s smile could light up the whole room. And the twinkle in his eye promised exciting plans to come. Rest well our friend, you have left an indelible mark on our hearts and campus.” - SUNY Canton College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill ’63

According to his complete obituary, calling hours will be held from 1 pm to 4 pm on Friday, April 4, followed immediately by a memorial service and Celebration of Life at the O’Leary Funeral Service, 5821 US Highway 11, Canton, New York.

SUNY Canton will lower the college flag on Friday to correspond with these events.

Mr. Gerlach had many friends at SUNY Canton, many of whom have shown an outcropping of support and who’ve shared fond memories of him during his career.  If you would like to share memories and condolences with the family, you can do so through the O’Leary Funeral and Cremation Services website.

These messages follow the initial campus-wide update about Mr. Gerlach from SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran issued on Thursday, March 27.

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you of former Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach, Ph.D. ’83’s passing. Our thoughts are with his wife, Lisa Gerlach, his children, Josh and Kayla, and all those who knew and loved him.

Dave’s 30-year career is legendary and serves as an inspiration to everyone at SUNY Canton. He began as a student worker in Chaney Dining Center and always described his position as “milk boy.” He became a student assistant, then Residence Hall Director, and later Director of Residence Life. His next promotion was to Dean of Enrollment Management, and he then became Vice President, where he oversaw the Canton College Foundation, Alumni and Development, Admissions, Public Relations, Career Services, and later Athletics, among other departments. Upon completing his Ph.D., he left SUNY Canton in 2015 to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a college President at Lincoln College in Illinois.

After retiring from his academic career, Dave moved to Texas with his wife Lisa, also a SUNY Canton graduate. Lisa earned her Liberal Arts Degree in 1983 and a Nursing degree in 2006. Dave’s son, Josh, earned a two-year degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology in 2009 and his Bachelor of Business Administration in 2011.

During his time as Vice President, Dave oversaw the Centennial Campaign, which was the most extensive fundraising effort ever at the College. It generated more than $11.3 million, exceeding its $10 million goal. Most of the fundraising efforts were used directly for scholarships, helping to fulfill our need for student support.

Dave was one of the founders responsible for the creation of the SUNY Canton Hall of Fame, and I had the pleasure of helping celebrate his induction to it in 2022. He also received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus award alongside his lifelong friend and colleague, Anne C. Williams ’78. Each time he was recognized, he’d return to SUNY Canton to reconnect with his friends and hear updates about his alma mater.

Beyond being an administrator, Dave was a driving force during his career who helped shape SUNY Canton as it stands today. He always credited his success to those who shaped the institution before and alongside him.