With the Christmas season upon us – and the wonderful benevolence that the holiday inspires in the air, it is a perfect time to share with you a truly amazing story of giving by an individual who made an uncommon commitment to helping lighthouses and the mission of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
Gary Pros is a shining example as to what one person can accomplish for lighthouses!
(Photo courtesy of Sherrie Pros)
As many of ALF’s supporters and friends know, saving lighthouses and preserving them for future generations takes a great deal of teamwork, but that doesn’t mean a person’s individual efforts cannot make a great difference.
On April 10, 2014, Gary Pros from Cleveland, Ohio, lost his battle with cancer at the age of 62, but his passing will never extinguish the “shining light” of his passion and dedication for lighthouses. In fact, the legacy he has gifted to all of us modern day “keepers” is nothing short of amazing and inspirational.
Gary was just like so many of us – he loved lighthouses and would visit and photograph as many of them as possible. Gary was proud of the fact that some of his letters and photographs were even published in the national magazine, Lighthouse Digest.
Gary Pros, like so many of us, loved lighthouses.
(Photo courtesy of Sherrie Pros)
Gary also worked for everything he ever had in life. Brought up to save and be frugal with his money, Gary lived his life in very modest fashion – choosing to forgo much in the way of comforts and material items that many people often pursue so that he could build his life-savings for one purpose only – to help lighthouses.
Unbeknownst to his family, when Gary passed away, they learned he had accrued through savings and investments nearly $350,000, which he made sure was later gifted to the American Lighthouse Foundation (ALF).
(L to R) Gary’s sister Sherrie Pros, their father and mother, and Gary Pros
(Photo courtesy of Sherrie Pros)
Such gifts of this magnitude are very rare in the nonprofit sector, and to learn that Gary Pros amassed every single penny through hard work and frugal savings makes this gift even more inspiring to ALF.
Gary’s sister Sherrie Pros noted, “It is important to me for Gary to be remembered by people. Even though they will never know him personally, I hope they come to know that Gary’s passion was to visit and photograph lighthouses, and to help save them through his life-long, selfless efforts to contribute to their preservation.”
A plaque in honor of Gary Pros will be displayed inside the keeper’s house at Owls Head Light Station.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
The American Lighthouse Foundation is extremely proud to honor the lighthouse legacy of Gary Pros and his unassuming generosity. His commitment to lighthouses will continue to “shine bright” for countless thousands of people to learn about – now and into the future, inside the keeper’s house at Owls Head Light Station, headquarters for the American Lighthouse Foundation.
A plaque in Gary’s honor will grace the walls of ALF’s lighthouse interpretive center. This will provide the impetus for sharing Gary’s wonderful story with the public as visitors inquire about the person who inspired this richly deserved tribute.
Gary Pros – a dedicated “keeper of the lights” whose passion for lighthouses will shine on for future generations!
(Photo courtesy of Sherrie Pros)
The American Lighthouse Foundation is sure that it can speak for everyone – from the organization’s many members and supporters to lighthouse enthusiasts and preservationists nationwide, in that we owe Gary Pros a deep debt of gratitude. The best way to honor Gary and his truly heartfelt gift is to continue to strive for excellence in our mission of lighthouse preservation – and ALF will do just that.
The American Lighthouse Foundation salutes (posthumously) Gary Pros– a real “keeper” in every sense of the word!
The story and legacy of Gary Pros will be shared with the visiting public inside the keeper’s house at Owls Head Light Station, headquarters of the American Lighthouse Foundation.
(Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
MarshaPros says
Beautiful article! Will miss Gary .I Lost him 40yr.ago and reconnected 2yr ago for 1 afternoon. So Glad I had that afternoon with him and Sherri. God Bless And Keep You Cousin♡♡♡♡
Sherrie Pros says
Thank you Bob Trapani, Jr for honoring my brother Gary with this beautiful article. I feel now that Gary will be happy to know he has been honored in the highest way from you and ALF, with this article and the plaque. God Bless You .
maryann says
Gary loved lighthouses and all that is nautical. What a fitting article. One must reflect on his strength , courage and light as I have. Even as I seen his last physical moments I knew he would “shine on” as he always Said. I still see him looking out at the water, wind blowing through his hair. What a spectacular man. Always in my heart.