Gary W. Foltz

Gary W. Foltz, 76, of Fairview, passed away on May 16, 2026, after a two-year battle with a progressive lung disease. Born on November 25, 1949, in Titusville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Robert W. and Lorraine Foltz.

Gary graduated from Townville High School in 1967 and attended Penn State Behrend Campus. In 1970, he entered the United States Army, serving as a personnel management specialist. Stationed in Neu-Ulm, Germany, he worked at Headquarters with the 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery Brigade until receiving an honorable discharge as an SP5 in 1973. He was a member of American Legion Post 994.

The day after returning home from military service, while attending Centerville United Methodist Church, Gary was introduced by his late grandmother, Anna Foltz, to the woman who would become the love of his life, Denise Rose. She fell for his boyish charm, and they were married there on May 25, 1974. They shared nearly 52 years together.

In 1976, Gary and Denise made their home in Townville, PA where they lived until 2018. During those years, Gary gave tirelessly to his community, serving on the Townville Borough Council for 32 years, including 28 years as president. Gary dedicated 36 years to Northwest Savings Bank, serving in various capacities and offices before retiring in September 2009.

He was an active member of the Townville Lions Club, serving three terms as president and many years as treasurer. The Club honored him as a Melvin Jones Fellow recognizing his outstanding dedication to the Lions’ mission. In keeping with his generous spirit, he chose to be an organ donor of his corneas. He also requested his lungs be used to further research in the treatment of IPF.

Gary embraced life fully with many hobbies and interests. He loved golfing with his buddies, was an avid bowler who proudly achieved a perfect 300 game, enjoyed photography, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. He made it a priority to attend his children or grandchildren’s events. He also enjoyed his Corvettes that he was honored to share in numerous homecoming events. Other interests included classic cars, space launches, aliens, and tracking plane flights. His happy places included going to their family woods in Centerville and enjoying Florida’s sunshine during their winter months in Kissimmee, FL.

Following his mother’s death, who together with his cousin, Liz Byrom, had worked hard to document the family history to the Mayflower, he and Denise did a road trip to Plymouth MA to honor her. He subsequently joined the Mayflower Society as a descendant of his 10th great grandfather, William White. His son, Peregrine White, was the first English child born to the Pilgrims in America while still aboard the Mayflower in Cape Cod Harbor and his cradle can be seen in the Mayflower Museum.

Gary and Denise created countless treasured memories together and made a great team. In retirement, they shared a love of travel and made it to 27 countries outside the U.S. His favorite trips included a return to Germany for their 35th wedding anniversary and a special trip to Italy to celebrate their 40th anniversary. One of Gary’s simple pleasures was taking drives in his Corvette with Denise around Presque Isle after stopping at Sara’s for ice cream and their morning walks.

Above all else, Gary cherished time spent with his family. He especially loved being “Papa” to his grandchildren, Olivia, Drew, and Ames, and had a special connection with animals including the beloved grand puppies. He treasured his daily phone calls with Sherri, birding adventures with Lauren, and tackling home improvement projects with Brian. His wife described him as her lovable curmudgeon. He had a sentimental heart and always took good care of his wife and family. His quick wit and sense of humor helped him make an instant connection with others. He was kind, dependable, and always the first person the kids called when something needed fixing. Above all, Gary will be remembered for the laughter and steady presence he brought to those fortunate enough to know him.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Denise Foltz; his daughters, Sherri Jardina and her husband, Adam of Fairview, Pennsylvania, and Lauren Foltz and her partner, Rich of Knoxville, Tennessee; his son, Brian Foltz and wife, Nicole of Nashville, Tennessee; his brother, Gordon Foltz and wife, Vicki of Union City, Pennsylvania; and his cherished grandchildren, Olivia and Drew Jardina of Fairview and Ames Foltz of Nashville.

A memorial service honoring Gary’s life will be held at the Riverside Golf Course, Cambridge Springs, PA on June 17th from 4:00–4:30 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life reception until 6:30 PM. We invite family and friends to share memories, food, and drinks as we celebrate the joy, laughter, and love Gary brought to so many.

Arrangements entrusted to Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Girard, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Crawford Heritage Community Foundation or the Erie Community Foundation.

Condolences sent to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.