Gary Lee Hughes
June 12, 1951 ~ August 17, 2024
Born in: Franklin, Pennsylvania
Gary Lee Hughes, age 73, of Cornplanter Township, Venango County, PA, died Saturday, August 17, 2024 at his residence surrounded by many of his loved ones.
Born June 12, 1951, he was a son of LeRoy "Bud" Hughes and JoAnn Cauvel Hughes in Franklin, PA.
On April 2, 1982 he married the former Katherine Moore and she survives.
He was a proud member of LIUNA Local #323 in Butler.
A veteran of the US Army, he served during the Vietnam era.
Gary was a family man who cherished his family and friends. He was the epitome of a good neighbor to anyone in need. With his strong work ethic and being a jack of all trades he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Gary was a passionate music lover who made friends everywhere he went.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Katherine, of Cornplanter Twp., two daughters: Jennifer Hughes and her significant other, Steven Morrissey, of Franklin; Rebecca Myers and her husband Kevin Myers, Jr., of Franklin; three beloved grandchildren, Kaiden Lee Hughes, Andrew Scott Myers, Lily Katherine Myers, all of Franklin; a sister, Nancy VanTassell and husband, Boyd, of Franklin; two brothers, Timothy Hughes and significant other, Melissa, of Seneca, Clair Kuhn, of Jamestown NY; two brothers-in-law; a sister-in-law; Laura Moore; Gary E. Moore and Steven E. Moore, both of Tucson, AZ; and countless close family friends, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters-in-law, Colleen Cutchall, Connie Moore, Elizabeth "Veta" Moore; and a nephew, Tom Cutchall.
Friends will be received from 2 to 5 pm on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home, 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, where funeral services will be held at 5 pm Wednesday. James Woods will officiate.
Interment will be made in Lamey Cemetery at a later date.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Gary's Book of Memories at www.WarrenFH.com.
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Your father was an extremely kind and caring man. Never have i seen him judge anyone or even say anything unkind. He welcomed everyone with open arms. He seen people for who they was and not for there past mistakes. With everything he has faced in the last 4 years I never even seen him without a smile on his face. Even over these last few months if I seen him he smiled and always asked how Phil was doing and when he was coming back. I know he didn’t feel well but he always put that a side to show concern for what my husband and family was going through. He was and always will be a special human being. I hope he knew how much Phil thought of him! How much we all cared for him! He will truly be missed by all of us. What a wonderful guardian angel to have looking over his family and loved ones.
Q: What will you miss most about Gary?
A: I WILL MISS ALL THE TIMES WE SPENT TOGETHER WHILE GROWING UP.
I THINK OF YOU AS MY BROTHER I NEVER HAD…
ALL THE OLD MEMORIES OF TIMES WHEN WE WERE KIDS…. I WILL CHERISH FOREVER…
LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU,
YOUR COUSIN
SHEILA MALONE
When I think of you, I think of good times and great memories.
You were always there for me from the time I was little and to when I “grew up.” When the time came that I needed support, guidance, and a positive role model, you made sure you were in my life.
You taught me empathy, responsibility, self worth, and showed me what unconditional love was. Because of you I became a better man, husband, and father.
I hoped you would be as proud of me being your nephew as I was as proud of you being my uncle.
We will all miss the laughs, but I will miss the conversation the most.
Q: What will you never forget about Gary?
A: Gary sense of humor was quick. He was a person that was social always enjoyed people .
My Little Brother Gary Lee has left many of us with memories that we will always cherish
We could fill a book with the memories we have of this kind, gentle and loving soul. We are thankful for every memory and every moment we had him in our lives. We will miss him always and forever that’s for sure. R.I.P dear friend. We love you! Sid and Selena
Hello as most of you know I am Gary’s oldest daughter Jennifer.
Who he was : he was my father , my hero , my protector, my everything all into one. My dad was a strong man with values , morals and such a strong work ethic. He had a great spirit , he taught me so many things over my lifetime.
His strength came from within somewhere that people sometimes couldn’t handle. In his life he had many trials and he walked many paths. Those paths gave him the wisdom and compassion for others.
He taught me to be true to myself and to find the courage inside of myself to be independent. In his life he had many challenges that he fought to overcome, in those challenges he learned many lessons. Lessons that he would use in his lifetime to guide or encourage others.
Gary’s wisdom helped so many people of different walks of life, whether you were having a bad day or just needed a hug .. he showed you love.
Gary was truly a man with a pure soul. He didn’t judge you , he didn’t care what you did or what you were going through. He loved you , he loved and respected everyone. He was a loyal friend, husband and father. He adopted so many people over the years , he lifted them up showed them kindness and love.
Love is one thing my dad showed everyone , love is pure and so was he. He accepted everyone for who they were .. he would just say that’s your nature of who you were and without judgement he loved you.
He could adapt to his surroundings and to the people around him. Regardless of where he was he would fit in. You could take him anywhere and he would fit right in, he would make a friend everywhere he went.
This wasn’t his final chapter. He lives in all of you. Anyone that has had the experience of Gary knows he loved you.
When you are hurt or lost or if you encounter someone that is hurt or lost what would Gary do. He would give you a beer or a cup of coffee and put his arm around you. He would listen and make you feel that you are not alone. He would give you guidance but let you make your own choice. He would love you and show you love.
So take the love Gary has given you and pay it forward.
I’m Gary’s youngest daughter Becca. He was a one of a kind person who will be missed immensely.
He was an amazing man – a brother, a husband, a father, papa, a friend and an uncle to many, whether he was your actual uncle or not he was Uncle Gary to so many people.
The amount of lives he has touched and people who have come to care for him shows how spectacular of a man he really was.
We will never know a man like him again. Dad is loved show much. We will continue to love him for the rest of our lives and there will always be a hole where he left us. What we have left now are our memories and our stories. And man did he like to tell his stories. I will miss those stories.
One of the things I will miss most is just talking to him. We use to joke that you couldn’t walk through the store without him talking to at least 5 people he knew. But if he didn’t know anyone he would have new friends by the time he left. I’m really going to miss talking to him about his life, my day, the kids or whatever random project he was working on. He taught me so many things in my life. Everything from learning to drive to how to be a parent. But the greatest things I think he taught me is to be kind. Not one person is better than anyone else. Dad treated everyone the same. He was always there when you needed him and I always knew I could rely on him. Whether it was to fix something or just needing someone to talk to. Many of us would not be where we are today without his help and guidance. It’s going to be difficult to not have him to call on anymore.
I remember one time he drove about 5 miles the wrong direction because he thought I was broke down on the opposite side of route 8. He eventually found the man that was broke down – he had a car similar to mine at the time – and even though he didn’t know this man he helped him fix his car and get back on the road. That’s the type of person he was.
He was always willing to help however he could.
I have so many wonderful memories of my father that I could stand here talking all day. Because there is so much we can say about Gary and the love that we shared with him.
There are many songs and stories that will make me smile and think of my father. I found this quote “We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made and the people we loved. So make sure your story is a good one.” I think Gary Hughes had an amazing story. And I am proud to be his daughter and to have been a part of it.
Thank you all for coming and saying goodbye to this unforgettable man with us. At this time we are encouraging anyone who would like to come up and share a memory or story of Dad to please feel welcome.
I’m Gary’s youngest daughter Becca. He was a one of a kind person who will be missed immensely.
He was an amazing man – a brother, a husband, a father, papa, a friend and an uncle to many, whether he was your actual uncle or not he was Uncle Gary to so many people.
The amount of lives he has touched and people who have come to care for him shows how spectacular of a man he really was.
We will never know a man like him again. Dad is loved show much. We will continue to love him for the rest of our lives and there will always be a hole where he left us. What we have left now are our memories and our stories. And man did he like to tell his stories. I will miss those stories.
One of the things I will miss most is just talking to him. We use to joke that you couldn’t walk through the store without him talking to at least 5 people he knew. But if he didn’t know anyone he would have new friends by the time he left. I’m really going to miss talking to him about his life, my day, the kids or whatever random project he was working on. He taught me so many things in my life. Everything from learning to drive to how to be a parent. But the greatest things I think he taught me is to be kind. Not one person is better than anyone else. Dad treated everyone the same. He was always there when you needed him and I always knew I could rely on him. Whether it was to fix something or just needing someone to talk to. Many of us would not be where we are today without his help and guidance. It’s going to be difficult to not have him to call on anymore.
I remember one time he drove about 5 miles the wrong direction because he thought I was broke down on the opposite side of route 8. He eventually found the man that was broke down – he had a car similar to mine at the time – and even though he didn’t know this man he helped him fix his car and get back on the road. That’s the type of person he was.
He was always willing to help however he could.
I have so many wonderful memories of my father that I could stand here talking all day. Because there is so much we can say about Gary and the love that we shared with him.
There are many songs and stories that will make me smile and think of my father. I found this quote “We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made and the people we loved. So make sure your story is a good one.” I think Gary Hughes had an amazing story. And I am proud to be his daughter and to have been a part of it.
Thank you all for coming and saying goodbye to this unforgettable man with us. At this time we are encouraging anyone who would like to come up and share a memory or story of Dad to please feel welcome.
As much of a challenge this is, I don’t want to focus on the loss of Gary and his passing. We know he is in a much better place and no longer dealing with the challenges of Stage 4 cancer. For that we need to be grateful.
That does not mean he will not be missed. He put himself out there to help anyone he cared about. Everyone here who knew him was influenced in one way or another. We had some really great times together and when we got together we would just pick up where we left off. For me he was more than an uncle, he was at times an older brother, bonus dad and an advisor. I think everyone who knew him would smile and say something similar about him.
We had many conversations over the years and I became aware of some of the challenges he experienced in life. This usually occurred during a chat where he was asking about what is going on in my life.
These conversations demonstrated to me there are no excuses or justifications for letting your past dictate your future. Changes can be made and he showed me that it was up to me to assume responsibility and move forward and ensure that I not make the same mistakes again. For those talks I am forever grateful.
Gary as I knew him, was not a judgmental person, I learned early from him what it meant to put family first and his philosophy reached many extended family and friends. He taught me that “what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.”
Kathy, you have shown a great deal of strength & love throughout the years. Additionally, the amount of patience you have had over the years is worthy of an award and maybe a fast pass to the good side of the afterlife 😆. I mean it only took Gary until about age 50 to settle down. He never believed us about the ghosts in that house in Polk , and sometimes I would question some of his decisions but never his decision to make you his partner. He was lucky to have you!
They say the first born daughter is the reincarnate of the father. Jen, you definitely have many of your dad’s traits. Although I never woke up after a party to find you sleeping with one of my dogs, outside partially in their dog house, I am pretty sure you are responsible for a gray hair or two for both your parents. But you also have embraced the concept of helping those whom you can. Thankfully you found your way and made Gary a very proud Papa, a role he loved.
Becca, my baby cousin, the smartest one in this family and somehow the only kid who never got in trouble. You brought a smile and a calmness to the circus that was the Hughes/ Cutchall/ Van Tassell/ Moore show. I remember when you were around 9 or 10 and I stopped by to see you guys. Your dad and I started to drink a little. He lost the cap to the bourbon bottle and the night got a little silly. After multiple vulgarities were used, you stomped out into the kitchen with both a liquid and a bar of soap and told me I needed to wash my mouth out. Because of our relationship growing up (I don’t think I ever told you no), I said bring on the bar and did what you said to do. The lesson was bourbon and Ivory soap are not a good time.
Jen & Becca, I am not sure what your dad was more proud of: your professional or your family accomplishments. Take comfort knowing he will always be with you and your family.
When Gary and I would go our separate ways, we would not say goodbye, he would say “Alright Slick, I will see you next time.” It will be sometime before he and I see each other again, and I encourage all of you to take comfort that you too will see Gary again. Funerals are meant to provide a place for the living to grieve their loss of a loved one. Gary is not lost, he is finding his way in the next chapter. So, until next time Gary, I look forward to the reunion.
Love Dom (“Slick Nick”)
Uncle Gary was one of the most selfless, patient, strong, kind, loving people I have ever met. To know him is to love him, I don’t think that I have ever met someone who knew him that didn’t love him. Thinking about all of the memories that I have had the honor of making with him this one seems to jump out to me the most and I think it truly sums up who he was. When my brother and I were younger we moved to Baltimore Maryland and when my brother got homesick and wanted to come home Uncle Gary and Aunt Kathy packed up the car and with no hesitation drove 6 hours to come and pick us up. Most people would have left us to stick it out but not them. I heard a lot of people talking about how no matter what he was doing he would drop it and help whenever he could and I don’t think that there was any better way to describe him. He was so much more than my great uncle, like most of you heard my grandma say when he married aunt Kathy he got her to but along with that he got her daughter and grandchildren. He stepped into that role when he didn’t have to and because of that I also had a papa. He has taught me so much about life like how to ride a bike, he taught me how to drive, but most importantly he taught me how to love. I will live every day holding on to those memories and I feel so blessed to have been loved by him.
😘 Rest in Heaven Uncle Gary..Your were my favorite Uncle EVER…You inspired me to be a kind, loving, patient caregiver to all the Family…We shared great moments over the years, especially at Raystown after my wedding🥰 Keep a watch over us all and Love you❣
Gary Lee, today I am sitting here looking at the picture of you and I. Little brother we have so many memories between Patchel Run and Third ward. Yes in Astoria Queens as well. So many that not enough space to put all down. Funny how the two if us protected one another Knuckle Head that rooster. Sled riding and swinging on vines in Third Ward behind Carters and Uncle Bill’s house. New York riding subway to Brooklyn going to the Hardware Store. Our families together fun times yes sad ones too. I could not protect you anymore but I believe Grandma Cauvel,Uncle Buck Aunt Vie and Mom met you along with other family members with open arms. I had to say Goodbye but As the saying we always used See You Later means I will see you later My Brother. I love You you will always be with me in Spirit.
Q: How did you meet Gary?
A: I met Gary when I was six years old. I have been friends with Jennifer almost my whole life and then our sisters became friends. Gary, Kathy, and my parents in turn became friends.
I remember Gary teaching me how to paint. He told me to make a ‘V’ or a ‘W’ to ensure the wall was painted correctly.
I also remember listening to Free Bird and Come Together while having many sleep overs in their home.
I will miss your smile and contagious laugh, Gary!! Rest in peace.
What I would miss about Gary is his smile. He was always smiling he had a big heart,he would help anybody.what I remember most is him and his best friend (we called thunderbird at that time ) comming out to aunt Teenys . He will be missed!love you Gary. Your cuz Susie
NANCY. I just remembered a adventure I had to your place in Queens. I called Gary from Spring Valley , I told him I was running away from home with my girlfriend at the time . I took a bus to Queens and Gary snuck us into your basement through a windo w. We stayed in the basement for 3 days I think before you found out.
Then there was the time Gary went camping on the other side of the river. He got really drunk and was out cold . He was woken up when his sleeping bag caught on fire when a piece of. Firewood rolled off the fire onto his sleeping bag .
My uncle, Gary Hughes, was a work hard but work smarter kinda guy. He was the epitome of a blue collar, union centric, family man who lived a story that is for the ages.
A father-figure for a host of extended family and friends, but for me (as a lost, confused and bewildered young boy), my uncle provided me a steadfast, honorable male role-model at times when I needed it most.
Whether in stories of travel, a handyman project or a family function, Gary’s personality shined through.
I miss him already, love him forever and will cherish ALL my memories – of a life well lived.
Rest in peace Uncle Gary.
To any of who don’t know me I’m Gary’s youngest daughter Becca. He was a one of a kind person who will be missed immensely.
He was an amazing man – a brother, a husband, a father, a papa, a friend and an uncle to many, whether he was your actual uncle or not he was Uncle Gary to so many people.
The amount of lives he has touched and people who have come to care for him shows how spectacular of a man he really was.
We will never know a man like him again. Dad is loved show much. We will continue to love him for the rest of our lives and there will always be a hole where he left us. What we have left now are our memories and our stories. And man did he like to tell his stories. I will miss those stories.
One of the things I will miss most is just talking to him. We use to joke that you couldn’t walk through the store without him talking to at least 5 people he knew. But if he didn’t know anyone he would have new friends by the time he left. I’m really going to miss talking to him about his life, my day, the kids or whatever random project he was working on. He taught me so many things in my life. Everything from learning to drive to how to be a parent. But the greatest things I think he taught me is to be kind. Not one person is better than anyone else. Dad treated everyone the same. He was always there when you needed him and I always knew I could rely on him. Whether it was to fix something or just needing someone to talk to. Many of us would not be where we are today without his help and guidance. It’s going to be difficult to not have him to call on anymore.
I remember one time he drove about 5 miles the wrong direction because he thought I was broke down on the opposite side of route 8. He eventually found the man that was broke down – he had a car similar to mine at the time – and even though he didn’t know this man he helped him fix his car and get back on the road. That’s the type of person he was.
He was always willing to help however he could.
I have so many wonderful memories of my father that I could stand here talking all day. Because there is so much we can say about Gary and the love that we shared with him.
There are many songs and stories that will make me smile and think of my father. I found this quote “We are all stories in the end, remembered by the adventures we had, the achievements we made and the people we loved. So make sure your story is a good one.” I think Gary Hughes had an amazing story. And I am proud to be his daughter and to have been a part of it.
Thank you all for coming and saying goodbye to this unforgettable man with us. At this time we are encouraging anyone who would like to come up and share a memory or story of Dad to please feel welcome.
Hello. As many of you know, I am garys daughter Jens fiance’. For all of us that knew Gary, we knew that he loved every person no matter their faults, and you know how magnetic he truly was. Standing up here with only a few minutes to speak on how amazing this man was and what he meant to me and to all of us feels impossible. How can I describe Gary in a way that’s accurate? How can I sum up the impact he had on me, and on those around him. It’s a near impossible task, so I will share a memory of Gary.
The man the myth the legends he said this to me once when I showed up at his house one day a few years ago and I laughed. But in reality, this pertained to him. The greatest man that we all could have know. The kindness and most loving father grandfather husband. Friend you could ask for. The myth. Because in most cases a man like Gary is a folk tale. But he brought this folk tale to reality. No matter who you were including strangers, he made time to talk or help them. And the legend. Once you meet him you were drawn to his magnetic energy and always felt at easy. He made you feel like not matter what, you are home and welcome. Gary never turned his back on anyone and would take his shirt off his back for a stranger in need. This man treated me like a son and I am glad to call him dad. I love you and miss you and will think of you often.
“There are no strangers here only friends you haven’t yet met” W.S. Yeats
That summed up Gary Hughes. It didn’t matter if you were a CEO or outcast on the street he found a common ground. It was like he knew you for years. He didn’t judge. If he had a problem with you it was because of something you may have said or done to one of the many people he loved.
The Golden Rule- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Gary was always willing to help others.it didn’t matter if it was a opossum in the basement, a water leak in the bathroom,(ask Karen), or a 5 hour trip to help a family member in need. Sometimes this got him in hot water with Kathy because he didn’t get things done around the house he was supposed to be working on.
The Gary Challenge- Next time we are tempted to say something negative to a store clerk,waiter, waitress,bank clerk,Facebook post,or someone else think about what Gary would do. Crack a joke,start a conversation or say something encouraging. We need to compliment not criticize.
I love you Gary Hughes. Thank you for all the years of helping me, encouraging me and making me laugh.
Although I didn’t see Gary often I do know that he was a wonderful man. Whenever I needed help he was always there willing to help in whatever way possible. The affect he had on his family and all who knew him speaks loudly of what type of man he was.
It wasn’t hard to have a conversation with him. He was pleasant to talk to and could keep a conversation going.
He will be sadly missed by so many people. He will be loved and missed greatly. Our memories of him will remain with us forever.
Aunt Jean Kenniston
I Never Left You
I watch you every day
I am always very near
I know deep in your hear
You realize I am here
I watch you while you sleep
In your bed at home
I hear you when you speak to me
When your on your own
You cannot understand
The reason why I’ve gone
But I will never leave you
I am there to keep you strong
Talk to me, I hear you
Though you may not see
We share an unbroken bond
That will always be
Death will not keep us apart
For our love is forever
Just remember me in your heart
And one day we will be together
Live your life and live it full
Don’t waste a single day
Remember I am always with you
Every step of the way.
Kathy, Gary appreciated everything you did for him, you was the best advocate he could hope for!
Love all of you: Karen Wood