Mayor Gary Hughes

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

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

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

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

Gary was first employed at Montgomery Block in Grove City. He was also employed at George Junior Republic, a school bus driver, member of the Teamster 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 member of the mayor 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, however, his true love was volunteering and doing for others. He never said no if someone was in need. Doing meals on wheels was one of many things Gary did to give back to his community. He also sat on the Occupational Advisory Committee of Butler County Vo-Tech where his son works as an instructor and on the board of directors for the Slippery Rock Library. Gary was always looking to better his community by leading by example.

Loved ones to cherish Gary’s memory with are wife Mary Ann of Harrisville; his children Jacob Hughes, his wife, Megan; Nicole Hughes-Shaffer, and her 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 other nieces and nephews.

Family will welcome friends at the Grace United Methodist Church, 210 South Broad Street, Grove City, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m, Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the church. Pastor’s Ed Saxman and Willard Morse will be officiating the service.   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 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 Library.

Burial will take place at the Prairie Cemetery in Harrisville.

The Jamison McKinley Funeral Home in Harrisville is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends can also email condolences by visiting www.jamisonfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mayor Gary Hughes, please visit our floral store.