Philip H. Gaines

Philip Henry Gaines, 97, born in Cleveland, Ohio, lived the majority of his adult life in Toledo, Ohio, died in Cincinnati, Ohio Monday morning, February 26, 2024, where he lived with his wife, Anne Gaines from 2018 until her death in 2020. At the age of 18, he married the love of his life, Anne Wolinsky and were married for 74 years. During the 2nd World War he trained at Fort Benning, serving in the Army as a Demolitionist and Paratrooper in the 504th Parachute Infantry 80th Airborne (he tested experimental parachutes). Phil started his career as a court reporter in Cleveland, before moving to Toledo where he opened his own company, Gaines Reporting Service. He founded The Toledo School of Court Reporting to attract the finest candidates to meet the shortage in the region. In collaboration with his son and business partner, Robert Gaines, they initiated the development of voice recognition for transcription. He received acknowledgement from the NCRA, his professional association. Active participant with Anne in the life of Temple Shomer Emunim, Philip pursued adult education throughout his life as a student of Judaism; provided leadership as President; taught religious school for over 2 decades including developing a Tikkun Olam confirmation class curriculum; and for adults, was an organizer of the Renaissance program. His contribution for social action and social justice included the resettlement of Jews from the former Soviet Union by finding them housing, educational and employment opportunities, volunteering with Anne at The Toledo Jewish Home for the Aged, and serving food to the unhoused at St. Vincent de Paul’s Kitchen. He volunteered as a parent to coach and transport the girls track team at DeVilbiss High School and when he turned 90, delivered Meals on Wheels. He exercised daily at the University of Toledo Recreation Center and jogged the Wildwood Preserve MetroPark trails.

4 Children: Rita Menitoff, Robert Gaines (deceased), Ron Gaines, Renee Loftspring; 9 Grandchildren: Dan Menitoff, Aaron Menitoff, Jonathan Gaines, Andrew Gaines, Jessica Gaines, Brittany Gaines, Molly Loftspring, Noah Loftspring, Hannah Loftspring; 6 Great-Grandchildren: Samual Menitoff, Gus Menitoff, Benjamin Gaines, Sophie Gaines, Clara Gaines, Ian Gaines

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the Temple Shomer Emunim 6453 W. Sylvania Ave. Sylvania, OH. 43560. Interment will follow at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Temple Shomer Emunim, Toledo Symphony, and Toledo Zoo.

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