Dr. Eugene Thomas Paslov

Dec 5, 1933 - Jun 9, 2014

Dr. Eugene Thomas Paslov, 80, of Carson City, Nevada died peacefully on Sunday June 8th at Renown Medical Center in Reno, Nevada. Gene was born December 5th, 1933 in New York City, New York. At 18, he enlisted in the Air Force, served in the Korean war, attended El Camino Community College and California State University, Long Beach and was among the first wave of Peace Corps volunteers. While in Peace Corps training in Washington, D.C., Eugene met his wife, Susan Paslov (née Garlick). They married in 1964 while both were stationed in Turkey. He later received his doctorate from Columbia Teachers College in 1972. Gene dedicated his life to transforming children’s lives through education. This passion guided him through positions as a high school teacher, Michigan Assistant Superintendent for Schools, Nevada State Superintendent of Schools, and later as President of Harcourt Educational Measurement. Although Gene officially retired in 1994, he was tireless. He continued to work as an education consultant, wrote his memoir and weekly columns for the Nevada Appeal, served on numerous advisory boards, volunteered for the Democratic Party, and most recently, spearheaded the effort to start a performing arts charter high school in Carson City, the Nevada Performance Academy. He leaves behind an incredible legacy on behalf of educators and students in Nevada and across the country. Gene was a self-made man, a champion of the little guy, and a model of a life well lived. He was an avid pilot, a history buff, and a news junkie. He continually inspired others through his kindness, curiosity, and generosity. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Eileen Paslov, and brother-in-law David Adamson. Survivors include his wife, Susan Paslov; siblings: Joan Buffandeau, Anna Adamson, Harriet Cox (Terry), and Joseph Paslov (Linda); children, Joseph Paslov and wife Kyla Schuman, Jonathan Paslov and wife Stephanie Zerwas, Marji Paslov-Thomas and husband Keith Thomas; grandchildren, Dylan Paslov, Aidan Thomas, Trey Thomas, Benjamin Paslov, Adeline Paslov, Alexander Paslov and Elodie Paslov. We are devastated by his passing. His love for and pride in his family will rest in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the First United Methodist Church of Carson City. Condolences may be offered at a Celebration of Life to be held at 3:00pm on Saturday June 14th at the First United Methodist Church of Carson City