Obituary
On July 23, 2021, Sigmund “Sig” Gast dedicated husband and loving father of three children, passed away at the age of 85. Sig was born on July 29, 1935 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa to Nathan and Evelyn Gast.
On May 12, 1963, he married Carol Susan Rosenthal in Allentown, Pa. They raised three children, Brian, Tami and Kevin in the house he helped design and lived there from 1965 until his recent passing.
He received his accounting degree from Lehigh University in 1957, graduated Magna Cum Laude, a member of Phi Beta Capa and Beta Gamma Sigma. He worked at Aberdeen Proving Ground for close to 40 years retiring at a GS15 level as chief financial officer. He mentored many employees who went on to have great civil service careers. While working at APG he earned a Master’s degree in Computer Science. In his free time he taught economics at Florida Institute of Technology and Harford Community College.
Sig had a passion for music which he enjoyed his entire life. He was the youngest 1st chair clarinet of his High School band at age 13, received a music scholarship to Valley Forge Military College, was an integral part of the Lehigh University concert band and played in the Bel Air Community Band for the last two decades. He loved playing hand ball, squash, racquetball and tennis with many 1st place trophies to show for it.
As Baal Korei at Temple Adas Shalom his beautiful voice and heartwarming melodies have touched the souls of many families for over the last 58 years. He was most proud as President of Bnai Brith bringing the Holocaust Remembrance Program to the local high schools.
He was known for his sharp wit, his occasional smile, love of opera and his charitable and artistic spirit.
Sig is survived by his wife, Carol; brother, Bob; children, Brian, Tami and Kevin; daughter/son in law’s Kassie, Pete and Cary; eight grandchildren, Brandon, Katie, Lexi, Adin, Caitlyn, Chloe, Hayden, Axel; and two great grandchildren Marlowe and Esther.
Services at Temple Adas Shalom (Harford Jewish Center), 8 N. Earlton Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078, on Monday, July 26th, 2021 at 11:00 am. Interment Harford Jewish Center (Temple Adas Shalom) Cemetery. Please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be sent to Temple Adas Shalom/Harford Jewish Center, 8 N. Earlton Rd., Extension, Havre De Grace, MD 21078. The family will be in mourning at 704 Concord Street, Havre De Grace, Maryland 21078, Monday immediately following the interment, and Tuesday beginning at 2 pm.
Arrangements by Sol Levinson. www.sollevinson.com