Michael Gance

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of an incredible man, our beloved Father and Grandfather, Michael Gance. He is predeceased by his wife Ellen Gance whom he was married to for 69 Years, his brother Anthony Gance, and his sister Rosemary Donahue. He was a devout Catholic and was at our Lady of Good Counsel Church the first day they opened their doors in 1933 at the age of 4 and was a parishioner ever since. His love and faith never faltered and was the foundation and strength for our family. Michael was born in Endicott, NY and was a daring and rambunctious boy who was always in search of adventure. We loved hearing his many stories and adventures, like when he ate garlic and blew puffs of air out while sitting in the front row of his third grade class because he was mad at his teacher for putting him there. Or when he exercised horses for a farmer during summers with his brother down the vestal parkway when it was still farmland. Then in winter, he rode ice chunks down the Susquehanna River and went “car hopping” by holding onto bumpers and sliding around the snowy streets. He also got a U.S. Marine Corp tattoo before the age of 10 at the county fair - just to name a few of his antics. Years later he made good on his early pledge and joined the marines with his friends right after graduation from Union Endicott High School. He served 2 years in the marines spending time in China and Guam. His adventures continued and he loved telling his children and grandchildren about them- like diving off the superstructure of his ship and swimming to shore not knowing he was followed by sharks, or jumping overboard out of a raft to escape spiders the size of his hand! He then attended Harpur College (Binghamton University) where he met the love of his life, Ellen Frey. He got his B.S. in education and counseling and was a Science and Math teacher at HBE and Jennie F Snapp Schools. He later became a guidance counselor and while working, attended Cornell University and Champlain College, and earned his Masters in Administration. Additionally, he completed the necessary credits for his Doctorate. After being the Vice Principal at Union Endicott High School and Principal at Henry B. Endicott, he was recruited as High School Principal and acting Headmaster at the Frankfurt International School, a K-12 school in Germany. His wife and 3 young children, Lisa, Kurt and Kim, moved with him there for the 2 year program and toured all over Europe. The family toured the Louvre museum and Arch de Triumph in Paris, the Sistine Chapel and Vatican in Rome, swam at the Costa Brava beaches in Spain, and skied the Swiss and Austrian Alps. After returning to the states, Michael continued as Director of Pupil Personnel and Vice Principal at Union Endicott for over 25 years. He understood kids, empathized with them and was approachable and relatable. This coupled with his kindness and compassion made him an exceptional father, teacher and principal. He was respected for always being fair and did more guiding and encouraging reflection and better choices than punishment. Even 25 years after he retired, prior students still came up to him in public to tell him that he had such a profound effect on them that it changed the trajectory of their lives. It's impossible to talk about Michael without talking about Ellen too because they were inseparable and were so in love with each other. They never stopped holding hands and snuggling, and were always more concerned about the other, than themselves. They loved deeply. Their families were everything to them. They were the absolute best grandparents and never missed a game, recital, play, birthday or special event. Their grandchildren adored them. Michael and Ellen most Sundays spent quality time with his parents, Mickey and Anna, and they had a wonderful group of close friends of more than 50 years. I'm sure Mike, Joe, George and Louie are enjoying a round of golf once again. Michael had a zest and appreciation for life and was the epitome of living life to the fullest. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed tennis, golf and skiing with his family. In retirement, he and Ellen traveled, played golf, down-hill and cross country skied - even well into their 80’s. Not one to sit around, he was always doing projects or helping his family. Never has there been more caring, considerate people. We will be forever grateful for their infinite selfless acts, generosity, support, unconditional love, cherished memories, amazing adventures and having both as parents and grandparents. Our only comfort is knowing you are together, holding hands. We love you to the moon and back.