Grove City, PA - It is with great sadness that the family of Gary Vechnak, 80, announces his death on Oct. 29, 2025. Gary, of Grove City, died at Saint Vincent Hospital (Allegheny Health Network) in Erie from complications related to heart failure.

Gary was born in Mercer on Feb. 13, 1945, to Albert and Susan (Krofcheck) Vechnak. He was their pride and joy.

Gary enjoyed time on the farm with his grandparents (Jacob and Bessie Krofcheck) and his Aunt Joanne. Gary began school in Mercer before the family moved to Grove City.

In Grove City, Gary made many friends. He was honored to be elected class president throughout all three years of his high school career, and he enjoyed sports. Gary was the quarterback of the high school football team, and he participated in track. But most of all, Gary enjoyed basketball.

Gary continued playing basketball in college. Gary graduated from Grove City High School in 1963, and from Harvard University in 1967. Gary's favorite joke was, "You can always tell a Harvard man, you just can't tell him much of anything!"

Following college, Gary joined the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He rose to the rank of Captain before he left the Air Force. After his service in the Air Force, Gary began his work career in the Tampa Bay area of Florida.

His business career involved primarily working for General Telephone and Electronics and A.G. Edwards and Sons in Florida.

But Gary's greatest joy was his family. He loved his son, Peter, and his twin daughters, Lauren and Courtney with all of his heart. He wanted nothing but the best for them, and he enjoyed participating with them in their sporting events, including soccer and swimming. Through his children's sporting activities, Gary became quite the soccer fan himself!

Surviving Gary are his son, Peter, and his wife Anna; their children Madelyn and Jackson of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter, Lauren, and her husband Kevin O'Donnell of Winter Haven, Fla., along with their children Ryan and Katie. Ryan and his wife, Emily, made Gary a great grandpa in February of 2025 with the birth of Lily Mae O'Donnell. Gary's daughter, Courtney Stephenson, of Longwood, Fla., along with her children Madison and Tyler. Also surviving are Gary's sister, Debby of Grove City. In addition to being her brother, Debby thought of Gary as her hero and her best friend. Gary is also survived by his special aunt, Joanne Ellis of Sharon.

Gary loved animals, and he was particularly fond of cats. These small friends brought much joy to Gary's life over the years and helped him through his journey as he dealt with PTSD from his war experience. He is also survived by his two special cat buddies, Max and Molly.

Gary would be pleased to know that any rememberances in his name might be directed to the Grove City Pet Rescue Center, 300 Oak St., Grove City, PA 16127 to help animals looking for their forever homes.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Susan Vechnak; his grandparents, Peter and Marie Vechnak and Jacob and Bessie Krofcheck; a sister, Pamela Carole, who passed away as an infant; his former wife, Courtney Atkinson Vechnak; and numerous Aunts and Uncles who influenced his life in many positive ways.