Clyde Wesley Gano

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clyde Wesley Gano on August 2, 2026.

Born in Canton, Ohio, Clyde was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was defined by his devotion to family, his country, and community. Known for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and warm heart, Clyde had an extraordinary gift for making those around him smile and leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Clyde’s love story began during his teenage years at Tuslaw High School, where he met the love of his life and future wife, Connie. Their story was the foundation of a lifetime filled with loyalty, devotion, and partnership. Soulmates in every sense, Connie and Clyde shared 57 beautiful years (happily 10!) side by side, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and community that will far outshine the passage of time.

Following his time in school, Clyde proudly served his country in the United States Navy, where he earned an honorable discharge, a period of service that reflected his lifelong values of dedication, duty, and pride.

Clyde excelled in every aspect of his life, leaving a rich professional legacy. He spent nearly 30 years at Nationwide Insurance, where he built lifelong friendships, before moving to Maine with Connie to work for Liberty Mutual. Never one to stay idle for long, Clyde briefly retired before embarking on a fun new chapter at Macy’s. Thriving in the women’s shoe department, his warmth and charm earned him another beloved work family.

A lifelong champion of Northwest Indian athletics, Clyde spent decades supporting generations of local athletes. He proudly helped build the very youth fields that he later had the joy of watching his own grandchildren play on. He, very reluctantly, became a Jackson Polar Bears fan when one of his grandchildren went there later in life, supporting all of his family with abundant pride. Whether coaching, announcing games, or cheering from the sidelines, Clyde found immense happiness in encouraging others. His pride in watching young athletes grow extended far beyond the scoreboard, and his presence on the field will be remembered for years to come.

When he wasn't on the sidelines, Clyde could usually be found enjoying a round of golf with friends, taking his cherished annual trip to Canada with his best buddies of 30 years, or passionately rooting for his favorite teams. Fall Saturdays were strictly reserved for Ohio State football, where anyone who knew him knew the only acceptable response to his loud "O-H!" Sundays were dedicated to the Cleveland Browns (though his family would tell you they can't recall a single game where he wasn't passionately shouting at the TV). On any given weekday, Danny Boys was his spot, and you could almost always find him there enjoying time with friends who became family.

Above all else, Clyde’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Connie; his sisters, Linda Blackstone (Tom) and Sandy Criswell; children Shannon Spencer (Greg), Allison Immel, and Ryan Gano (Jessica); and his eight cherished grandchildren: Calvin, Christian, Allison, Addyson, Aniston, Roan, Greyson, and Fraser. He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Chad Gano; his mother Dolores Smith (Roland) Jim Gano (Eve); and his uncles Gene (Doris) and Earl (Sharon); with whom his family finds comfort knowing he is now reunited.

Clyde’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, service, laughter, and unwavering support. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on in every laugh shared, every game cheered (or booed), every round of golf played, and every "I-O!" will be answered in his honor.

We take deep comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved son, Chad, no doubt already out on the water casting a line, catching up, and sharing endless stories.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Cleveland Clinic (Main Campus) and their team for their hard work and perseverance in extending the time we got to spend with Clyde, and for making him and his family as

comfortable as they could throughout this entire process.

In classic Clyde fashion, guests are warmly encouraged to wear Ohio State attire as we gather to celebrate his life.

Visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, August 7, 2026 at Paquelet Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 11:00am on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at the funeral home.