Gary G. Gongaware

MEADVILLE - Gary G. Gongaware, 78, of Meadville died on Sunday January 11, 2015 at Westbury after a short battle with lung cancer. Gary was born on June 5, 1936 in Greensburg, PA to the late Gilbert Gongaware and Frances O’Bot Gongaware. He married the former Shirley Rohleder on 02/01/1958 and Shirley Beatty Teasdale on 04/2/1974. Both ex-wives survive him in death. After graduating from Meadville High School he served two years in the United States Army as a cook. He retired from a lifelong career at Penelec after over 30 years. He was passionate about cooking, golfing and spending time with his brothers at hunting camp. Gary was a member of the ELKS BPO 219. Gary is survived by his children, Gail Gongaware of New York City, Scott Gongaware, and wife Patty of Valencia, and Barbara Gongaware Smith of Meadville; his step-children Jeff Teasdale of Murrysville and Penny Teasdale of Sarasota; two grandchildren Dana Smith of Meadville and Jessie Schell of Philadelphia; three sisters Maxine Kuntz of Saegertown, Jacqueline Briggs, and husband Rodney of Meadville, and Paula Byler, and husband Jake of Meadville; three brothers Gilbert Gongaware of Rockford, IL, Barton Gongaware, and wife Therese of Winterhaven, FL, and Clifford Gongaware, and wife Cindy of Aguilar, CO; two sister-in-laws, Carol (Jerry) Gongaware, of Cochranton, Helga (Eugene) Gongaware, Lubbock, TX; many nieces and nephews, as well as two step great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by three brothers, Lowell Grant Gongaware, Eugene Gongaware, Jerry Gongaware and a sister-in-law, Janet (Gilbert) Gongaware. Family invites all who wish to pay their condolences and celebrate Dad’s life to attend a Memorial Service being held on Saturday January 17, 2015 at 11:00 am at the First Christian Church 503 North Main Street in Meadville. Memorial donations may be made to the ELKS BPO NO 219 15438 State Highway 86, Meadville or the First Christian Church for their generosity in our time of need. Condolences can also be shared at www.roofnercollinswarrenfh.com