Samuel R. Gano, 93, of Greenville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by lots of love, on Sunday night, March 17, 2024 at St. Paul's Senior Living Community in Greenville.

He was born in Greenville on Dec. 30, 1930, to the late Harry and Thelma (Miller) Gano.

Sam began his wrestling career for Penn High School during his freshman year of 1945-46 at 98 pounds. He went on to win three District 10 championships in 1947, 1948, and 1949, which at that time meant he was also a three-time state qualifier.

After graduating from Penn High in 1949, he served in the Army, stationed in Germany, during the Korean War.

Sam worked for the Sawhill Tubular division of AK Steel in Wheatland for 38 years, and served as the union president.

He was a member of Zions Reformed United Church of Christ, and a life member of the Greenville VFW.

He was the assistant varsity wrestling coach at Commodore Perry High School from 1955 to 1966, then ran the junior mat programs at CP and Greenville for about 25 years.

In 1984, he was awarded the Charles Evanoff Memorial Award for outstanding contributions and service for Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling.

He was president of the Greenville Wrestling Club and chairman of the Mel Berry Memorial Wrestling Award Trust Fund, which annually awards a scholarship to a Greenville senior.

In 1996, he was inducted into the Mercer County Hall of Fame.

Sam enjoyed camping at Farma Family Campground so much that they made it their permanent residence from 2005 to 2019.

He enjoyed playing Euchre, listening to country music, rooting for the Steelers and Pirates, gardening, grilling, and classic cars.

He was married to Elaine L. (Little) Gano on May 16, 1958, and she preceded him in death on April 11, 2023.

Sam is survived by two daughters, Karen Gano of Santa Fe, N.M., and Dianne (Gano) Diefenderfer and her husband, Kim, of Zionsville, Ind.; a son, Robert Gano and his wife, Donna, of Biglerville, Pa.; four grandchildren, Marc Diefenderfer and his partner, Rachel Bonini, of Lake Jackson, Texas, Ryan

Diefenderfer of Phoenix, Ariz., Kaitlin (Gano) Biggins and her husband, Brandon, of Beaufort, S.C., and Samuel Gano of Biglerville; honorary grandson, Dallas Ledford; honorary granddaughters, Dallas Ledford and Cici Wang; and honorary great-grandson, Jacob Ledford.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mel Berry Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH, 7 W. State St., Suite 301, Sharon, PA 16146, or Good Samaritan Fund at St. Paul's, 339 E. Jamestown Road, Greenville, PA 16125.