Gary M. Kennedy
December 11, 1944 — March 28, 2016
Boardman - Gary M. Kennedy, 71, died Monday evening, March 28, 2016 at Hospice of the Valley's Hospice House with his family by his side after an extended illness.
Gary was born December 11, 1944 in St. Paul, Minnesota, a son of Merle and Darlene Vick Kennedy, and moved to this area as a young child.
He was a 1962 graduate of Poland Seminary High School and attended Youngstown State University for electrical engineering. Gary worked as an electrician for Standard Slag, which later became Standard Lafarge, and retired from Delphi in 2006. He was a member of IUE -CWA Local 717.
Gary was a true "Mr. Fix It" and enjoyed working on repair projects. He shared his talent with many family and friends over the years, always lending a helping hand with their repair needs and projects.
Gary was a member of the Applewood Swim Club for many years, where he enjoyed playing basketball and tennis. He also enjoyed bowling and playing golf, and belonged to several leagues over the years. Some of his other interests included watching college football, fishing, being outdoors, and photography, mostly taking photos of animals and nature.
In addition to his mother, Darlene Kennedy, Gary is survived by his wife, the former Martha Bower, whom he married January 14, 1967; his four daughters, Cheryl (David) Downey of Boardman, Michelle (Bob) Smith of Boardman, Karey (Jason) Fantone of Austintown, and Kimberly (Ryan) Allen of Columbiana; eight grandchildren, Brandon Langenheim, Morgan and Zachary Smith, Alexis and Dominic Fantone, and Braeden, Kennedy, and Emerson Allen; three sisters, Carol (Don) Velcio of Hinckley, Diane (Rick) Liber of Connecticut, and Lois (Richard) May of Poland; and a brother-in-law, Gordon Bower of Cleveland.
In addition to his father, Gary was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Howard and Grace Bower; and a sister-in-law, Gayle Bower.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, 270 N. Main St., Poland, where family and friends will be received from 1-1:45 p.m., prior to the service.
The family requests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Gary's name to Hospice House, 9803 Sharrott Rd., Poland, Ohio 44514.
Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.