Gary Dale Chaddock, 83, of Minerva, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sept. 4, 2025.
He was born Oct. 21, 1941, in Canton, to Joseph and Doris (Booth) Chaddock.
A 1960 graduate of Carrollton High School, he proudly served in the Army before beginning his lifelong career with Ohio Power/American Electric Power, first as a lineman and later as a superintendent. In addition, he spent years representing the company by presenting high-voltage electrical safety programs to thousands of classroom students, first responders and civic groups.
Gary married the love of his life, Elaine Francis Pariano, on Jan. 28, 1967. Together they shared 58 years filled with family, friends, laughter and adventures.
He was a longtime member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, where he served as a lector and eucharistic minister. He and Elaine also taught high school catechism. Hundreds of Catholic couples from Minerva, Malvern and Carrollton have fond memories of the lessons and laughter from the Catholic marriage preparation classes that Gary and Elaine led for more than 30 years. He coached Little League and high school baseball alongside his friend Dick Boggs and served the community on the Minerva Local School Board, including as board president.
In retirement, Gary enjoyed many hobbies. Friends and family often experienced a “wine tour,” where he would enthusiastically explain the science behind his wine-making process and share tastes of his homemade varieties. He was a popular local electrical handyman. He fished on Lake Erie, in local bass tournaments, and in the Atlantic Ocean with his children and grandchildren. He was grateful for breakfasts with Chuck and parties with Elaine and their many friends. He adored supporting grandchildren in athletics and 4-H, as he had done with his children years earlier. He especially loved his annual fishing trips in Canada with his dear friends, known as the Alliance Fishing Group.
Gary was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, full of immense pride in his family. His children credit his example and unwavering support for their many successes. He was a friend to all who were fortunate to know him.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two infant sons, David and Joseph; his infant sister, Karen; and his brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Donna Chaddock.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine; children: Gary (Nicole) Chaddock, Joe (Susan) Chaddock and Kristy (Randall) Pero; 13 grandchildren: Kaitlin (Jake) Cummings, Josie Chaddock (fiancé Gabe Kynard), Abby Chaddock, Ellie Chaddock, Jay (Peyton) Chaddock, Luke Chaddock, Nick Chaddock, Rudy Pero, Klara Pero, Reid Pero, Kynsie Pero, Kora Pero and Kiersyn Pero; brother Dennis (Debbie) Chaddock; brother-in-law Tom (Lisa) Pariano; and sister-in-law Linda Pariano.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, in St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Minerva with Fr. Victor Cinson as celebrant.
Burial took place in Sandy Valley Cemetery with military honors.
Calling hours were held 5-8 p.m. Sunday in St. Gabriel Catholic Church.
