Terry Allen Gahring

Terry Allen Gahring, 80, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on July 14, 2025. Born on October 19, 1944, in Akron, Ohio, Terry lived a full and meaningful life defined by dedication—to his country, his community, and most of all, his family.

Terry grew up in Ohio but graduated from Somerset Area High School in Somerset, Pennsylvania, in 1963 - a place that would later hold a special place in his heart, as it’s where he met the love of his life. After school, he proudly served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, stationed in Germany as a Specialist 5.

He returned home and built a long-standing career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, where he worked diligently for over 40 years until his retirement. But Terry was never one to sit still. He gave his time generously to his community, serving on the City of Cuyahoga Falls Zoning Board and Planning Commission, was a precinct committeeman, and he was a dedicated member of the Cuyahoga Falls Evening Optimist Club. A proud Mason, Terry held the title of 3rd Degree Master Mason at the Masonic Star Lodge 187 in Cuyahoga Falls since 1982 and was a member of the Akron Scottish Rite Society. Terry was also a lifelong member of Redeemer North Hill United Methodist Church, a congregation his grandmother, Maggie Mae Sherman Witt, helped establish.

Of all his roles, Terry was most proud of being a father and grandfather. He never missed a softball game, band show, soccer match, or baseball tournament. He was the kind of dad who showed up—loudly cheering from the sidelines and quietly offering encouragement when it was needed most.

He leaves behind a loving family who adored him deeply: wife of 61 years, Marian Gahring (nee Hoffman); his daughter Tara and her husband Robert Gallagher, and their children Taylor, Emma, Nathan, and Matthew; his son Phil and his partner Brittany; and his son Brent and his wife Jill, and their son Westin. He is also survived by countless friends and extended family who cherished his humor, warmth, and loyalty.

Terry now joins in peace his parents, Ralph Lester and Louise Virginia Witt Gahring; his brother Ralph Jr.; and his sisters, Fern Germano and Louise Steele.

Terry loved the beach, especially his yearly trips to the Outer Banks, and he never missed a chance to return to Somerset—his heart’s second home. But no matter where he went, his greatest joy was being surrounded by the people he loved.

He was a kind man, a steady presence, and a fiercely devoted family man. His absence leaves a space that no one can fill, but his love will live on in the stories, laughter, and memories he gave so generously.

He will be missed forever.

A funeral service will be held to honor Terry’s life on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 4 pm at Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. Guests are welcome to visit with the family 2 hours prior to the service from 2-4 pm, also at the funeral home. Private interment will take place at Chestnut Hill Memorial Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you to donate to Redeemer North Hill United Methodist Church, 265 E Cuyahoga Falls Ave, Akron, OH 44310.