Donald L. "Don" Gorski

Donald L. “Don” Gorski died January 15, 2025, at the age of 75, after a courageous eight year battle with multiple medical problems. Don was born on March 11, 1949, in Cleveland, OH, to the late Donald F. and Lenore Gorski. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1967. Don later earned a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University and a master’s degree from Cleveland State University. For over 30 years, Don taught mathematics in the Willoughby-Eastlake School District. During the early 1970’s through the mid-to-late 1980’s, he also coached tennis, track, and cross country. Don later coached middle school teams in academic competitions. Among many accomplishments he was particularly proud that his stock market team won the Ohio state championship in 2002. Don loved to teach, coach and interact with students. After his retirement from Willoughby-Eastlake in 2002 Don taught college algebra at Cuyahoga Community College for many years until his sudden illness in 2016. Throughout his life Don touched the lives of many people. He had a gregarious spirit who loved to socialize, talk and entertain. Don also had a strong sense of empathy, compassion and an exceptionally generous heart. For many years prior to his sudden illness he volunteered each week at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to help prepare and serve meals to the poor and homeless. Don also gave generously to many animal rescue and humanitarian charities as well. During the last eight years of his life, as Don struggled with one medical problem after another, he fought with incredible strength and resilience to stay alive. Don ultimately lost this battle, but he left behind a legacy that will always be cherished and remembered by everyone who knows and loves him. Don is survived by his partner, Karl Strohbehn, his sister, Donna (Alice), two nieces Kelly (Josh) White and Jennifer (Rob) Walker along with many cousins and friends. A funeral mass to honor Don’s life will be held 12 noon Friday, January 24, 2025 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, Ohio (Everyone is asked to please meet at the church.) Don will be laid to rest in All Souls Cemetery, Chardon, OH. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Don, the family requests contributions be made to an animal rescue charity of one’s choice or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, donate online at www.stjude.org. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Donald L. "Don" Gorski

March 11, 1949 - January 15, 2025