Paul Von Gunten

Paul von Gunten, 94 of Cary, NC, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 17, 2021 of natural causes. Paul was born in Massillon, OH on November 18, 1926, the son of the late Arlo and Vera (Genet) von Gunten. He was a longtime resident of Massillon and a 1944 graduate of Washington High School. During high school Paul was a member of the Tiger Swing Band playing the bell lyre. Upon graduation, he attended Wooster College and then served in the U.S. Army during WWII in Tokyo, Japan, as a clerk. When the Army discovered Paul's talent for playing the flute and piccolo, he was transferred to the U.S. Army Orchestra as Entertainment Specialist. When he returned to Massillon, he began working as a teller at Peoples Federal Savings and Loan in 1948 where he met his future wife, Dorothy. They enjoyed 68 years of marriage until her death in 2018. During his career at Peoples Federal, he was promoted to assistant treasurer and then in 1964 he was named secretary-treasurer and managing officer. Paul was elected to the Board of Directors in 1968 and served as President/CEO until his retirement in 2005. Paul was a graduate of Ohio Savings and Loan Academy and served in financial leadership positions at the Ohio Institute of Financial Education, North Central Ohio Savings and Loan League, and Massillon Educational Loan Foundation. Paul was very active in local civic and community organizations, including the Kiwanis Club, Massillon Chamber of Commerce, Massillon Museum Foundation, Massillon Tiger Sideliners, Charity School of Kendal, Massillon Development Foundation, Robert H. Jentes Scholarship Fund Committee, George Bird Scholarship Fund, the Massillon Club, and the Wellman Neighborhood Association. Ever the performer and musician, Paul was a 45-year member of the Canton Civic Opera where he took many leading roles in Broadway musicals and performances. He was a lifelong member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Massillon and served as choir director for 25 years. Paul and Dorothy were avid sailors and enjoyed sailing with family and friends in the Bahamas, Caribbean and Lake Erie. Paul is survived by his daughter, Paula (Tim) Smyth of Estero, FL, his son Marc (Deepika) von Gunten of Novato, CA, and son Karl (Nancy) von Gunten of Cary, NC; grandsons, Brian (Emily) Smyth of Wexford, PA, David (Michelle) von Gunten of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, and Kevin (Uyen) Smyth of Nashville, TN; and granddaughters, Laura (Jeremy) Arredondo of Garland, TX, and Stefanie (fiancée Charlie) von Gunten of San Francisco, CA; and great-grandchildren, Molly, Jack, Chloe, Caleb and Tristan. The family wishes to thank caregiver Teena Phillimeano and the staff of Brittany Place at Searstone Retirement Community in Cary, NC for all of the love and support they provided Paul in his later years. Condolences can be sent to the family at 108 Chesterfield Dr, Cary, NC 27513. Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon is handling arrangements for a life celebration of both Paul and Dorothy. Calling hours will be held on Friday June 4 from 4 to 7 pm. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday June 5 at 10 am Facebook Live Streaming with a private burial at Massillon Cemetery following the service. Continuing with COVID-19 precautions, all attending will be asked to follow proper social distancing protocol and masks are required. If you are not feeling well, or if you have a compromised immune system, you are encouraged to stay home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Paul and Dorothy's name can made to the Massillon Museum https://massillonmuseum.org/support-donations. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory 330-833-3222