Garold Santi Molli

Garold Santi Molli passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026 at UPMC Hamot surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was born September 14, 1947, to Santi and Victoria (Leri) Molli in Meadville, PA. He married the love of his life, Connie (Burgess) Molli, on December 2, 1967, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and service to others.

Garold grew up in Townville, PA, and graduated from Townville High School in 1965. He graduated from Edinboro State Teachers College in 1968 and also obtained his master’s degree from Edinboro.

He taught mathematics at Meadville Junior High School from 1968 until 1999. After teaching, he was employed at Hanna Hardware in Townville for 14 years.

While teaching in Meadville, Garold also coached boys’ seventh- and eighth-grade basketball from 1968-1972. He was a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard from 1972-1978. Additionally, he served as the Richmond Township tax collector for 28 years.

Garold was one of the founders of the Townville Ambulance Service in 1969. He also helped create and volunteered at Townville Old Home Days for more than 50 years. Giving his time and helping his community was simply part of who Garold was.

His faith was an important part of his life. At his parish church, St. Hippolyte in Frenchtown, Garold spent countless volunteer hours. He was affectionately known as “General G and Crew,” where he formed a handyman and floor-cleaning group. He was also a former religious education teacher, Eucharistic Minister, greeter, member of the welcoming committee, and member of the choir. He never seemed to hesitate when something needed to be fixed, cleaned, built, or simply done.

Every August, you could find Garold at the Crawford County Fair. He worked there for 42 years, setting up the parking lots and supervising the grandstand workers for entertainment shows and events. His willingness to work hard and lend a helping hand was something that became a defining part of his life.

Garold’s hobbies included his hobby farm, where he raised beef cattle; fishing; woodworking; and making special items for family and friends. During St. Hippolyte’s renovation, Garold and many of the men from the church, affectionately known as “the Cross Guys,” used wood from the renovation to create beautiful crosses that many people are proud to display in their homes. These crosses are a lasting reminder of Garold’s faith, craftsmanship, and generous heart.

Most of all, Garold treasured his family. He loved attending the sports and music programs of his children and grandchildren and was always proud to see them pursue their own interests and accomplishments. He took great pride in the family he and Connie created and in the values they passed on to their children. His favorite way to relax was mowing his beautiful five-acre yard-a job that he took great pride in and somehow always found a reason to do again.

Garold was blessed with a tremendous amount of energy, drive, and determination, qualities he inherited from his father. He proudly passed his strong work ethic on to his four children: Allison (Jeff) Mattis, Shannon (Chris) Ploski, Kristin (Justin) Held, and Dr. Ryan (Karen) Molli. His children will carry not only his strong work ethic with them, but also the example he set of showing up, helping others, and doing what needed to be done.

In addition to his wife and four children, Garold is survived by 13 grandchildren: Jenna Ploski, Joel (Yakun) Ploski, Lydia Mattis, Nathan Held, Jordyn Ploski, Luke Sleeman, Natalie Held, Anna Held, Anthony Molli, Andrew Held, Santino Molli, Luca Molli, and Nicholas Held; two step-grandchildren, Adam (Jenelle) Mattis and Jennifer (Mattis) Chris Cain; and one step-great-grandchild, Ford Mattis.

He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Joan Burgess, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Santi and Victoria Molli; his in-laws, William and Doris Burgess and Orson Hubbard; his sister, Sandra Bowler; brothers-in-law Donald Burgess and James (Judy) Burgess; great-nephews Daniel Burgess and Ethan Knutson; as well as many special cousins.

Garold leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, hard work, service, and family. He will be deeply missed by Connie, his children and grandchildren, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his 79 years. His hands may no longer be busy fixing, building, mowing, or helping, but the things he built-including his family, his friendships, and his community-will continue through the generations.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Hippolyte Parish, 26012 N. Frenchtown Road, Guys Mills, PA 16327, or Townville Ambulance Service, PO Box 85, Townville, PA 16360.

Calling hours will be held at Ryan M. Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 33353 North
Main Street, Townville, PA 16360, on Friday, October 9, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with a vigil service beginning at 7:30 p.m. officiated by Rev. Jeffrey Lucas.

Additional viewing will be held at St. Hippolyte Church on Saturday, October 10, at 11:00 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Michael Kesicki.

Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Garold’s Book of Memories online at WarrenFH.com.