Gary Geitgey Sr.

Gary Alan Geitgey Sr., 88, of Rittman, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Gary was born June 30, 1932 in Canton, Ohio to Jay Albert and Martha Isabelle {Conkle} Geitgey. He attended Rittman High School before he enlisted in the US Navy. Gary proudly served during the Korean War era aboard the minesweeper USS Ruff. He spent 4 years patrolling the east coast from Nova Scotia to Cuba and all parts in between. He met Dorothy {Simons} in New Bern NC while on an extended port visit for repairs to his ship. They were happily married on December 24, 1953 and spent the next 64 years together until her death in 2018.

After his service in the Navy ended in 1954, Gary and Dorothy returned to Rittman. He owned and operated a service station in Rittman for several years before working at the City of Rittman, and the City of Wadsworth where he retired as a Water Department Supervisor. In retirement he enjoyed working as needed for Dr Markley at All Creatures Veterinary Clinic.

He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren; they viewed him as the family jokester. Gary was a talented woodworker and was always found in his garage restoring old Model A cars or making many wood projects for friends and family. He also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, and riding his Harley.

Gary will be deeply missed by his children Kimber Geitgey of Rittman, and Richard Geitgey of West Salem; grandchildren Bambi (Mike) Bowser, and Jade (James) Fisher; great-grandchildren Brian, Isabelle, Monica, and Vincent; siblings Warren (Emma Jean), Jim (Oma Jean), Sandra (Delbert) Killough, Stanley Zane (Nancy), Keith (Martha) and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, wife Dorothy, his son Gary “Butch” Geitgey Jr; siblings Marilyn Davis and George “Cork”.

Friends may call Tuesday 5 to 7 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel, Seville. Funeral services will be held Friday 1:30 p.m.at Roberts Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel with Pastor Jerry Butcher officiating. Burial will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, where military rites will be held. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to SAM Center (Serving Area Military, veterans & widows) 413 Lincoln Way East Massillon, Ohio 44646.