Hughes

Mayor Gary R. Hughes, 72, of Harrisville, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Gary was born Sept. 19, 1951, in Grove City. He was the son of Marcel and Pearl Say Hughes.

Gary graduated from Slippery Rock High School in 1969 and furthered his education at Youngstown State University and Butler County Community College.

Gary married the love of his life, Mary Ann Ferguson, on Sept. 11, 1995; she survives.

Gary was first employed at Montgomery Block Works in Grove City. He was also employed at George Junior Republic, was a school bus driver, and was a member of the Teamsters union and the Post Gazette.

Gary was most proud of owning and operating Penn Gold Ice Cream in Harrisville. Gary’s love for his community was evident through his multi-term service as Harrisville mayor as well as his countless commitments and participation in community-building events. He was an active member of the Harrisville Rotary Club since 2016, having joined the Rotary Club in 2013 and was a member of the mayors association. The most recent project Gary had been working on was bringing an all-inclusive park to the Harrisville community.

Gary was an avid collector of trains, but his true love was volunteering and doing for others. He never said no if someone was in need. Meals on Wheels was one of many things Gary volunteered for to give back to his community. He also sat on the occupational advisory committee of Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, where his son works as an instructor, and on the board of directors for the Slippery Rock Community Library. Gary was always looking to better his community by leading by example.

Loved ones left to cherish Gary’s memory are his wife, Mary Ann of Harrisville; his children, Jacob Hughes, and wife, Megan, and Nicole Hughes-Shaffer, and husband, Matt; his brother, Brian Hughes and wife, Kim, of Florida; and his sister, Sandra Hooven of New York. He also leaves behind his precious 6-year-old grandson, Jackson Shaffer; as well as several nieces and nephews.

HUGHES — Family of Gary R. Hughes, who died Saturday, June 1, 2024, will welcome friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Grace United Methodist Church, 210 S. Broad St., Grove City. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Pastors Ed Saxman and Willard Morse will officiate.

Being that Gary was so heavily involved with the community, the family is requesting any stories or pictures be shared to garyhughesmemorial@gmail.com.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gary’s honor be sent to the Grace United Methodist Church in Grove City or the Slippery Rock Community Library.

Burial will take place at the Prairie Cemetery in Harrisville.

JAMISON MCKINLEY FUNERAL HOME, Harrisville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Friends can also email condolences by visiting www.jamisonfuneralhome.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.