Karen R. Gentile

Karen R. Gentile, age 78, of Greenville passed away Tuesday morning, January 21, 2025, in St. Paul’s Senior Living Community.

She was born in Grove City on May 12, 1946 to Robert and Rose (Richards) Collar. Karen was a 1964 graduate of Grove City High School and attended Edinboro University. 

On May 2, 1966, she married James Gentile; he passed away July 9, 2015.

In her earlier years, Karen was employed as an aide at Reynolds School District, as a receptionist for Dr. Carey and Dr. Brown, and later as a lab worker and switchboard operator at Greenville Regional Hospital. In 1993 she, alongside her late husband, Jim, created Keystone Adolescent Center. Karen played many roles at Keystone, but the most important one was serving as a mother figure to the children and staff. 

She was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan who loved her family and especially enjoyed attending and supporting her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. Karen also enjoyed playing cards, taking trips with her card club friends, attending Doo-Wop concerts, listening to oldies, and visiting the casino.

She is survived by four sons: James T. (Laurie) Gentile of Greenville, Robert S. (Angela) Gentile of Reynolds, Michael P. (Alissa) Gentile of Greenville, and Matthew E. (Tammy) Gentile of Greenville; a brother, Bob (Brenda) Collar of Hilton Head, SC; 14 grandchildren: Tyler Gentile, Alex Gentile, Madelyn (Troy) Lang, Gianna Gentile, Santino Gentile, Vitolli Gentille, Joslyn (Alex) Shimoloens, Barrett Gentile, Brady (Jodi) Gentile, Luke Gentile, Rudy Gentile, Zachary (Sydney) Gentile, Anthony Gentile, and Alyvia Gentile; and three great-grandchildren: Scarlett Gentile, Griffin Shimoloens, and Emerson Shimoloens.

In addition to her husband, Karen was preceded in death by her parents.

Services:

A Public Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 6:00 PM on Tuesday, 1/28/25, in Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St. Greenville. A Private Funeral Service will be held in the funeral home with John Boeckman officiating. Burial will be in Shenango Valley Cemetery.

Online visitors are welcome to sign the guest book and view a Video Tribute at www.loutzenhiserfuneralhome.com.