Gary E. Sutton, 71, of Barberton, OH passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 9, 2018. Born in 1947 to Robert and Marceline Sutton. Gary attended public schools in Barberton and Norton before joining the Navy in 1964.
He spent most of his enlisted time on the aircraft carriers Shangri-la and Intrepid as a mechanic, working on Douglas A4 Skyhawks during his two tours of Vietnam. After leaving the Navy, he worked for several companies, including Ohio Bell, before taking the civil service exam. With his choice of either the Barberton Police or Fire departments, he chose the Fire department, because as his father told him, “people are always happier to see a firefighter”.
He retired in 1995 to focus full-time on growing his company, Tri-City Communications, turning it into a successful local business. Gary’s passions included motorcycle trips to Florida, the Smoky Mountains and even a bike trip to Germany. He loved piloting his private airplane, “the Bonanza,” flying close friends and family to locations in Florida, Myrtle Beach, Bermuda, TX and so many other places.
He also enjoyed jet skiing trips to Sutton, West Virginia and Lake Erie. Gary loved to travel. He met his wife, Ann (“Annie my Annie”), in 1996 and together they traveled to Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, Las Vegas, Key West, Hawaii, plus many shorter trips to places like NYC and Toronto.
Gary was a lifetime member of the Turkeyfoot Sportsman Club, Loyal Order of the Moose and the First Hungarian Benefit Society. He was also very proud to have served as the president of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 329 and of being initiated into the Quiet Birdmen (QBs). In addition to his wife, Gary leaves his son, Gary (Racquel); daughter; Jeri Lyn (Don); brother, Brian; sister, Debra (Tom) Stewart, and grandchildren Ryan, Dylan, Samantha, Sarah and Seanna to mourn his loss.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Todd. He will be missed by many friends and long-time customers. Gary’s family will receive friends on Friday, October 12th from 3 to 6 p.m. with The Last Alarm Service at 6 p.m. at the Campfield-Hickman-Collier Funeral Home, 566 W. Park Ave.
, Barberton 44203. A celebration of his life will be held at the Turkeyfoot Sportsmans Club immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made the Magic City Kiwanis Esther Ryan Shoe Fund, P.O. Box 561, Barberton, Ohio 44203 or the charity of one’s choice.
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