Chesco Plane Crash: Community Mourns Death Of Beloved School Leader

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — The investigation into the Chester County small plane crash that left a local school board president dead remains ongoing, while a community is mourning the loss of a leader and a friend.

Sam Ganow, the president of the Octorara Area School Board, was the lone casualty of the crash. He was 65.

"Mr. Ganow was not only a dedicated member of the Octorara Area School District School Board but also a cherished and respected member of our community," Octorara Superintendent Steven Leever shared in a statement. "His commitment to education and his tireless efforts to enhance the educational experience for our students made a lasting impact on our school district."

Ganow served as a school board member for 26 years. His impact reached across the county and the globe, however, to numerous diverging communities.

He was a leader of Faith Bible Chapel in Chester County and was described by friends as deeply dedicated to his spiritual work.

He was active on the international skiing circuit, serving as a judge of hundreds of events throughout his career.

And he was a dedicated runner, completing multiple marathons annually, including most recently the Disney Marathon in January.

"Sam Ganow was one of the kindest people many of us were fortunate enough to know. He was a unifying presence that through his welcoming nature helped bring together people who began as strangers and turned into lifelong friends," the Will Run For Podcast shared. "A million adventures, shared memories and countless selfies would never be enough."

Most of all, Ganow was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He is remembered and loved by his wife Kennie, his sons Steve and Shawn, his daughter Kelinda and their spouses, and his eight grandchildren.

Leever said the Octorara community has been left with a "deep sense of loss and grief."

A GoFundMe has been launched to help his family in the wake of his loss.

"Sam was selfless, compassionate, and generous," family friend Stephanie Shoemaker wrote. "He was always willing to offer a prayer, a meal, a bed, a ride or anything else you might find yourself needing. Now is our opportunity to repay his servant’s heart by supporting the Ganow family through your donations and continued prayers."

More than $6,000 had been raised as of Monday morning.

Funeral services have not yet been set.

Ganow's small plane went down in West Caln Township on Thursday afternoon. No one else was injured.