Gary Burgess

Gary Burgess, age 79, of Oregon, Ohio passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at home. He was born on May 15, 1945 in Toledo, Ohio to Richard and Elizabeth Burgess. Gary was a 1963 graduate of Waite High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as a production foreman at Reichart Stamping retiring in 1986. Gary was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle. He was a devoted Catholic and former member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Gary was a current member of Epiphany of the Lord Parish-St. Thomas Aquinas Church. 

In his younger years, Gary was an accomplished wrestler making State Tournaments during high school. He was eventually honored by Waite High School and inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame. Gary’s love for wrestling continued on by becoming a mentor for many eastside kids. He started the East Toledo Wrestling Club and coached many kids for the last 40 years. Gary loved his daily McDonalds coffee and reading the paper. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, and was an avid Cleveland Browns and Ohio State fan. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. 

Gary is survived by his sons, Gary Burgess and Terry Burgess; grandchildren, Emily (Matt), Shane, Amanda, Brianna, Gary, Ashleigh, and Caitie; great-grandchildren, Kalli, Dane, Cirilo, Mason, Hunter, Haisley, Jayden, KJ, Lexi, and Evelyn; sisters, Betty (Ray) Tucker, Maryann (Kenny) Bacon, and Kathy (Mike) Kosciuczyk; sisters-in-law, Marleen Burgess, and Pam Burgess; special nephew, Mike Burgess, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Todd; wife, Sue; brothers, Donald, Mike, and William; and nieces and nephews, Brenda, Billy, Chris, Jason, and Andy.

Family and friends may visit Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd in Oregon on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 2-8:00 p.m. where a scripture service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at Epiphany of the Lord-St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church where family will greet guests from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at North Oregon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice https://residentialhospicefoundation.org/.