After a courageous battle with cancer, Gary M. Lewis, age 45, of Waterford, died on December 17, 2014 at the home of his sister in Erie. Gary was raised in Waterford and still resided in his childhood home. He was born on April 18, 1969 in Erie, to Ruth and Hobart Lewis who predeceased him. He grew up in a loving family with two brothers and one sister, and attended Fort LeBoeuf High School and went on to the University of Pittsburgh – Titusville where he studied and graduated with a degree in Business. He was an employee at Sam’s Club since their first day of business.
Gary lived life to the fullest. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, softball, weightlifting, and bowling, and his greatest passion was snowmobiling, always waiting for that first snowfall. He listened to a variety of music, his favorite being heavy metal music, and followed a couple of the local bands always saying, “someday I’ll be able to say I knew them when”. His greatest loves were his children. When diagnosed with cancer in 2013, he remained dedicated to his work, family and friends, and in his will to fight his illness. Gary remained brave and strong-headed, even throughout his final days.
Gary is survived by his children, Morgan, Levi, and Erin, and their mother, Stacey; a twin brother, Gerry Lewis (Diane) of Waterford; another brother, Dale Waha (Linda) of Pittsburgh; a sister, Debby Proctor-O’Brien (Danny) of Erie; his extended family, Ron and Dianne Deutsch and their children; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.
Friends and family may gather to celebrate Gary’s life on Sunday, December 21, 2014 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at Van Matre Funeral Home in Waterford, and also on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Waterford Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Gary’s memory and given at the funeral home.
My condolences to Gary’s family. He was always a kind person to work and spend time in the woods with. He will be missed.
I only got to know Gary for a short time working at Sam’s Club but those 2 years I learned that he was such a happy, fun, out-going, and dedicated man. He loved his heavy metal and his children dearly. You will be missed greatly by everyone from Sam’s Club. We love and miss you Gary.
I will miss Gary–his special sense of humor, his big eyes, his warm smile. My heart goes out to his family. My sincerest condolences.
Will miss you
My sympathies to Gary’s family. I worked with Gary for 22 years. There will forever be a void in our lives, he will be sorely missed by all of us at Sam’s Club. God Bless.