Donald J. Gembolis

Donald Joseph Gembolis, age 64, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Ebeid Hospice Residence after a two week battle with melanoma. Don was born June 5, 1952 in Toledo to Frank and Eleanor (Westhorn) Gembolis. He graduated from Sylvania High School in 1970 and received his Bachelors Degree in Engineering from the University of Toledo. Don was employed at Parker Hannifin Corporation for nearly 40 years as a product engineer, and was awarded many patents throughout his career before retiring in 2015. Don married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Kowalinski, on September 6, 1974. He was a father of six and Boppa to nine. Don enjoyed spending time outdoors, whether he was cutting down trees, walking with his brother Ken, playing with his grandkids, or simply hanging out on the patio with a fire, his music, and a glass of wine. Don is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; children, Corinn (Chris) Shemak, Kylie (Steve) Johnson, Kurt (Ciji), Kevin (Amzie), Kendra (Nate) Manuel, and Claire (Zach); grandkids, Armani, Ella, Allie, Sydney, Charlie, Baylee, Grayson, Evelyn, Gibson, and a baby girl due in April. He is also survived by siblings, Bob (Dixie), Jeanne Basnight, Rich, Ken (Denise), Jo-Anne (Tom Plapper) and many nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eleanor; sister, Catherine Moore, and brother-in-law, Tom Basnight. Visitation will be Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 2-8:00pm at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.). A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11:00am on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Little Flower Catholic Church, 5562 Dorr St., where visitation will begin at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Little Flower Church, and make an appointment with your dermatologist. Online condolences may be shared at walkerfuneralhomes.com.