CHAMPION, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Gary W. Riffle, age 64, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.
Gary was born on March 26, 1960, in Warren, Ohio to Martin E. “Bud” Riffle and Wanna (Howard) Riffle.
He was a proud 1978 graduate of Warren Western Reserve.
Gary spent his early career at Denman Tire, where he worked until its closing in 2010. He then joined Kent State University’s Trumbull campus, where he continued working until his passing.
On October 17, 1981, Gary married the love of his life, Connie (Joseph) Riffle. Together, they shared 43 years of love, laughter, and adventures, especially cherishing their time at Harmons in West Virginia. Gary was known for his quick wit, his knack for telling jokes, and his incredible skills as a craftsman and Mr. Fixit but above all, Gary was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply.
He was the best dad to his three children, Stephanie, Erik and Bethanie and his favorite role was being “Papa” to his beloved grandchildren, Natalie, Allison and Parker.
Gary had a passion for fishing, earning the nickname “Walleye Warrior.” He enjoyed tying flies for his annual fly-fishing trips and was a master woodcarver, known for his intricate carvings of Santas at Christmas and pumpkins for Halloween, which he loved giving as gifts to family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Connie of Champion, Ohio; his daughter, Stephanie (John) Pettit of Champion, Ohio; his son, Erik (Lindsey Hall) Riffle of Sacramento, California; his daughter, Bethanie (Nate Smith) Riffle of Champion, Ohio and his treasured grandchildren, Natalie Smith, and Allison and Parker Pettit. He also leaves behind his sister, MaryAnn Zack of Girard, Ohio; his brother, Marty (Vera) Riffle of Neshannock, Pennsylvaina and many nieces and nephews along with many dear friends.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Martin “Bud” and Wanna Riffle.
Gary will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
Friends will be received at Staton-Borowski Funeral Home on North Road on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home, on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Condolences may be sent at www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary, please visit our floral store.